Jet Lag Tablets
Price
From £20
Book Your Appointment
What is Jet Lag?
Jet lag is a condition that arises when crossing multiple time zones during travel. Our need for sleep and our levels of alertness are regulated by our circadian cycle, a biological rhythm that dictates when we feel awake or tired. This cycle can be influenced by external events and is also responsive to light and darkness. When embarking on a long-distance flight, you arrive in a new location where the local time may differ from what your internal “body clock” perceives. This discrepancy can make it challenging to adjust to the time at your destination, a phenomenon we refer to as ‘jet lag’.
Travellers often discover that they adapt better when travelling west as opposed to heading east. This is because our circadian cycle adjusts more quickly when we stay awake longer to align with the local time. When travelling east, our circadian cycle tends to take more time to adapt, as it’s generally harder to fall asleep earlier than to stay awake for extended periods. As a result, travellers heading east tend to experience more pronounced jet lag symptoms.
Jet Lag Tablets
At Trident Pharmacy, we can offer melatonin 2mg modified-release tablets to assist with your jet lag troubles.
Dose: ONE 2 mg tablet to be taken once daily, after food
The patient should take the first dose 1 to 2 hours before bedtime on the day they arrive at their destination
The patient should continue to take the tablets for 2 to 5 days
Jet Lag Symptoms
The risk of experiencing jet lag symptoms becomes greater with the number of time zones crossed during air travel. Typically, travellers do not encounter jet lag unless they cross at least three time zones. The greater the number of time zones crossed, the more pronounced the time difference will be.
The most common jet lag symptom is a disrupted sleep pattern. It can become challenging to sleep during the night and stay awake during the daytime at your destination. Consequently, you may feel fatigued, drowsy, and have difficulty concentrating.
Other potential symptoms of jet lag include:
– Digestive issues such as nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, and constipation
– Changes in appetite
– Confusion and dizziness
– Irritability and lightheadedness
– Feelings of disorientation and clumsiness
– Memory problems
– Increased perspiration
– Headaches
– Muscular discomfort
– General malaise
– Irregular menstrual periods (affecting women who travel regularly)
These symptoms should generally diminish within 2 days. Depending on the number of time zones crossed, they may persist for several days.
How can I overcome jet lag?
While it may be challenging to completely evade jet lag when embarking on long-distance travel, there are measures you can adopt to expedite your recovery from jet lag:
– Begin your journey well-rested, having had a full night’s sleep.
– Start adjusting to the local routine while still aboard the plane by making an effort to sleep when it is nighttime at your destination.
– Upon arrival, make an earnest attempt to adapt to the local schedule as promptly as possible.
– You can also consider using medication to alleviate your symptoms and expedite your recovery from jet lag.
Age Restriction
Over 18 years of age.