Jet lag: Understand what it is and discover how to deal with it on your trips

Are you planning an international trip and have you heard about the dreaded jet lag? In this article, Be Easy will explain in detail what jet lag is, what are its symptoms, causes, and most importantly, how you can minimize its effects to make the most of your experience abroad.

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What is jet lag?

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Jet lag, also known as hourly decompensation, is a temporary disorder of the circadian rhythm (internal biological clock) that occurs when a person rapidly crosses multiple time zones. This happens because the body takes a while to adjust to the new destination time, causing a series of uncomfortable symptoms.

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Main symptoms of jet lag

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The symptoms of jet lag vary from person to person, depending on factors such as the number of time zones crossed, the direction of travel (east or west), and individual sensitivity. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and excessive tiredness;
• Difficulty sleeping or maintaining quality sleep;
• Sleepiness during the day;
• Concentration and reasoning problems;
• Irritability and mood changes;
• Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, indigestion, constipation);
• Headaches;
• Changes in appetite;
• General feeling of malaise and disorientation.

While these symptoms are temporary and usually go away after a few days, they can significantly affect your quality of life and ability to enjoy your activities at the new destination.

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Causes of Jet Lag

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The main factor causing jet lag is sudden exposure to a new time zone, which confuses the body's biological clock. Other factors that may contribute to the intensity of symptoms include:

1. Number of time zones crossed: The more time zones you cross, the more intense your jet lag symptoms tend to be.

2. Direction of travel: Traveling east generally causes more intense jet lag than traveling west, as it's harder for the body to adjust to a shorter day than to a longer day.

3. Age: Older people may be more susceptible to the effects of jet lag, as their circadian rhythm tends to be less flexible.

4. Flight conditions: Factors such as low air humidity in the airplane cabin, reduced atmospheric pressure, and lack of movement can aggravate symptoms.

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How long does jet lag last?

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The length of jet lag varies from person to person, but it usually takes a few days to a week for the body to fully adjust to the new time zone. A general rule is that it takes the body about a day to adapt to each time zone crossed. However, recovery may be faster if you follow some strategies to minimize the effects of jet lag.

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Tips to reduce the effects of jet lag

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While jet lag is a common consequence of international travel, there are several measures you can take to reduce its effects and adapt more quickly to the new time zone:

Gradual adjustment: Before the trip, try to gradually adjust your sleep schedule according to the time zone of your destination. This can help your body adapt more easily to change.

Hydration: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to prevent dehydration, which can worsen jet lag symptoms. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine, as they can affect sleep quality.

Exposure to natural light: Sunlight is one of the main regulators of the circadian rhythm. When you arrive at your destination, try to expose yourself to natural light during the day to help your body adjust to the new schedule.

Establish a sleep routine: Try to follow your destination's sleep and wake times, even if that means going to bed when you're not sleepy. Avoid long naps during the day, as this can make it difficult to adapt to the new schedule.

Balanced diet: Opt for light and nutritious meals, avoiding heavy and difficult to digest foods, especially before bed.

Physical activity: Light to moderate exercise can help regulate the circadian rhythm and improve sleep quality. However, avoid strenuous exercise close to bedtime.

By following these tips and properly preparing for your trip, you can minimize the effects of jet lag and make the most of your experience abroad, whether for Learn a language abroad or to study at a University abroad. With the right planning and the support of a trustworthy exchange agency, you'll be ready to embark on an unforgettable journey.

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Be easy

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If you are planning an international trip and want to minimize the effects of jet lag, Be Easy is here to help. Our team of experts is ready to offer personalized guidance, from choosing the ideal destination to preparing for your trip.

Contact us today and discover how we can help you make your dream of studying abroad a reality. With Be Easy, you can have the peace of mind of knowing that you're in good hands and ready to live a truly transformative experience.