Jet Lag Symptoms & Causes
Lethargy, malaise, discomfort – these are common jet lag symptoms. Jet lag can often feel like a cold or a flu, though other jet lag symptoms include general fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, and dehydration. While many associate jet lag strictly with the disruption of circadian rhythm associated with time-zone changes, many other factors contribute to jet lag, including:
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors are a key cause of jet lag symptoms. The cabin’s dry recycled air contributes to dehydration, which can lead to lowered immune system, headaches, and sore throats. At high altitudes, the cabin’s air pressure is far greater than normal, causing other symptoms of jet lag, including circulation issues such as swelling and fatigue.
Physical Factors
Airplane seating, even in first class, is not exactly conducive to getting up and working out. Many travelers fall into the trap of sitting in their seat for their entire flight; this constricts proper circulation and adds to symptoms of jet lag such as fatigue and lethargy.
Mental/Emotional Factors
For many people, flying is an anxiety-filled situation from start to finish. Stress and anxiety can lead to poor-quality sleep, exacerbating jet lag symptoms and worsening the travel experience. In-flight issues such as turbulence can increase anxiety, making it difficult to relax. This results in a draining experience that can lead to physical and mental fatigue, as well as other jet lag symptoms.
Beverage Factors
The old adage of “You are what you eat” is even more accurate when it comes to air travel. Because the air cabin is a naturally dehydrating environment, dehydrating drinks such as alcohol or caffeine will magnify jet lag symptoms.
Radiation Factors
At cruising altitudes of 39,000 ft., there is less atmosphere to protect you from high-energy radiation. The sun emits many types of waves including UV, Infrared, Beta, and Gamma. One popular theory states that cosmic or gamma radiation further exacerbates jet lag symptoms. Some studies have shown that cosmic radiation can damage cells in the human body as well as suppress the immune system, heightening symptoms of jet lag.