The human body's internal clock resides in the brain called the hypothalamus. Here the production of sleep hormone melatonin. Release of melatonin over day suppresses solar radiation which impinges on the retina of the human eye. With the advent of twilight conversely leads to increased production of the hormone, which is responsible for the quality of sleep. Human body eventually gets used on a regular alternation of day and night, which will be reflected in the regular secretion of melatonin. The problem that arises when we move a few time zones away. The body then takes some time before přeřídí according to a new daily schedule. Temporary confusion of the biological clock to show sleep disorders and wakefulness.
Risk traveling
Individuals traveling to the east have trouble falling asleep in the evening and get up in the morning. Travelers traveling west on the contrary, felt sleepy in the evening and the morning wakes up very early. Symptoms of jet lag, however, vary. It plays a big role different ability to adapt the biological clock of each of us. Also significant is the age and physical fitness travelers. Older individuals often have greater problems adapting to a new time zone. In addition to disorders of the sleep cycle with jetlag also reflected a reduction in physical and mental abilities, fatigue, headaches, irritability, depression or the emergence of digestive problems and loss of appetite. Fortunately, the condition is temporary, the biological clock over several days adapts to new conditions.
Prevention of jet lag
Travelers can alleviate the symptoms of jet lag as follows:
The respect of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, a healthy diet and plenty of rest improve the physical fitness of the organism, which can thus better cope with traveling across time zones.
You can adapt the biological clock before traveling. If you are traveling west, uléhejte to bed about 1-2 hours later than usual. When traveling east on the contrary, try to sleep for 1-2 hours earlier.
If possible, plan on at least one stopover.
During the journey, avoid hearty foods, caffeine and alcohol. Drink plenty of water and occasionally walk through the aisle of the aircraft. On the way, take comfortable shoes and clothing. If you are sleepy, try to sleep.
The first day of your destination aside for rest and relaxation, then try to adapt to the local time zone. Your meal schedule should follow the new time distribution. During the day, try to spend as much time in the sun. Maintain adequate fluid intake and avoid excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
Source: Travel nemoci.cz