Circadian Rhythm & How to Overcome Jet Lag
Disrupted circadian rhythm from crossing time zones is a primary contributor to jet lag and causes many jet lag symptoms to appear. Circadian rhythm refers to the body’s natural biological temporal rhythm as related to day/night cycles and sleep phases. Lasting around 24 hours, these natural rhythms allow us to follow a day-to-day routine, and the influence of circadian rhythm on our lives is natural and unavoidable from a physiological standpoint.
Crossing time zones shifts the body’s circadian rhythm, and causes typical jet lag symptoms such as drops in energy and mental alertness. While circadian rhythm disruption isn’t the only cause of jet lag, its effects can be long-reaching and should be treated appropriately through jet lag prevention and our Jet Lag Formula.
Circadian rhythm disruption is a simpler way to address the body’s natural cycle, but in actuality a number of individual circadian rhythms exist within the body to regulate:
- Body temperature
- Glands and hormones
- Kidney function
- Breath and circulation
With so many critical bodily functions controlled by circadian rhythm, it’s no wonder that jet lag symptoms (such as fatigue and malaise) appear when disruption occurs.
Keeping Circadian Rhythm In Balance
Simple methods exist to combat circadian rhythm disruption and prevent related jet lag symptoms. One of the most basic ways to do this is to gradually shift your sleep cycle prior to travel. For example, if your travel destination is three hours off of your normal circadian rhythm, an effective approach is to shift your sleep patterns by 30-60 minutes each day for a few days prior to flying. This process gradually adjusts and prepares your body without too much disruption to your normal daily routines.
