Jet lag immunity and resilient travellers

Jet lag occurs when our body’s internal clock (known as the circadian rhythm) gets disrupted due to rapid travel across different time zones. This can lead to symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, and difficulty adjusting to the new local time. Jet lag immunity and the science behind resilient travellers - why some people seem less affected by jet lag:

Genetics: our genes play a significant role. Researchers are studying how specific genetic variations influence our ability to adapt to sleep disruptions caused by jet lag. Some individuals may naturally have better circadian resilience.

Circadian rhythm: people with a robust and well-regulated circadian rhythm tend to handle jet lag better. Their internal clocks adjust more smoothly to new time zones.

Exposure to light: exposure to natural light helps reset our internal clock. Some people actively seek sunlight or use light therapy to minimize jet lag effects.

Health conditions: underlying health conditions (such as cardiovascular or pulmonary issues) can impact how our bodies respond to jet lag. Researchers are exploring personalized treatments to improve the quality of life for those affected. Mental health: The relationship between mental health and jet lag is quite complex. While having a clear and balanced mind, along with a peaceful inner state, can certainly help in coping with stress and may improve overall well-being, it’s not clear if these factors can directly reduce the physiological impact of jet lag. The symptoms of jet lag are primarily due to the disruption of circadian rhythms, which are regulated by the brain’s response to light exposure and not solely by one’s mental state. However, there is some evidence suggesting that mental health can influence how one experiences jet lag. For instance, studies have shown that social jet lag, a related concept where there’s a mismatch between an individual’s social schedule and their biological circadian rhythm, can have negative effects on mental health, cognitive abilities, and brain function. Additionally, greater social jet lag has been associated with an increased likelihood of having depressive symptoms.

Moreover, it’s been found that mental health difficulties, such as mood disorders, can be exacerbated by jet lag. This implies that individuals with better mental health might be more resilient and cope better with the symptoms, although they would not be immune to the physiological effects of crossing time zones. While mental well-being is important, it’s also crucial to address the physical aspects that contribute to jet lag.

In summary, while most of us experience jet lag, a fortunate few seem to breeze through it due to a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Furthermore, while a positive mental state may help in coping with the discomfort of jet lag, it does not necessarily prevent the physiological disruptions caused by travel across time zones. It’s always a good idea to take a holistic approach, considering both mental and physical health strategies when preparing for and recovering from long-distance travel.

References Why do some people not suffer from jet lag? - Travel FAQ (2024 Edition) (ncesc.com). Why do some people get jet lag and others don’t? | University of Pittsburgh. Jet Lag: Symptoms, Causes, and Tips for Relief (sleepdoctor.com). Who gets jet lag? We all get jet lag except for the 4 percent. (nojetlag.com). Jet lag disorder - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. Effects of sleep-corrected social jetlag on measures of mental health, cognitive ability, and brain functional connectivity in early adolescence | SLEEP | Oxford Academic (oup.com). Jet Lag: Navigating the Symptoms, Causes, & Prevention (sleepfoundation.org). Jet Lag Disorder | Causes, risk factors, symptoms & strategies (cpdonline.co.uk). Roenneberg, Till. "How can social jetlag affect health?." Nature Reviews Endocrinology 19.7 (2023): 383-384.