Jet Lag Exposed, and Remedied?

According to Wikipedia, Jet lag, also jetlag or jet-lag, is a physiological condition which is a consequence of alterations to the circadian rhythm. Such alterations result from shift work, daylight saving time, altered day length, or as the name implies, transmeridian travel as on a jet plane. They are known as desynchronosis, dysrhythmia, dyschrony, jet lag, or jet syndrome. The condition is generally believed to be the result of disruption of the «light/dark» cycle that entrains the body`s circadian rhythm. It can be exacerbated by environmental factors.

In the September Issue of Shape magazine, researcher Russel J. Reiter, suggests that eating a handful of dried tart cherries, every night of the trip, half an hour before sleep, could provide a good nights rest. He opines that melatonin presented in the dried tart cherries helps the body to regulate the sleep cycle.

Diego Golombek and colleagues at Quilmes National University in Argentina claim that viagra can counter the effects of jet lag in hamsters. Although, not too many people are ready to pop this pill for jet lag that is most notibly used for erectile disfunction.

Alina Larson of Positive Thinking reports one should get plenty of rest because adequate sleep reduces the effects of jet lag, another stress on the immune system.

Professor of psychiatry Norman E. Rosenthal suggests taking melatonin a half hour before bedtime while traveling. Director of the Sleep Center in Edinburgh, Scotland Chris Idzikowsi comments on the importance of the exposure to light to the body`s internal clock. Ronald D. Novak, a circadian rhythm expert at Case Western University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, recommends eating protein for breakfast and carbohydrates for dinner.

These are just a few of the many remedies for Jet Lag. However they all have one thing in common, get plenty of rest.

By: Michael C. Podlesny