HOMOEOPATHY FOR JET LAG

Jet lag, also called jet lag disorder, is a temporary sleep problem that can affect anyone who quickly travels across multiple time zones.

Our body has its own internal clock, or circadian rhythms, that signals our body when to stay awake and when to sleep. Jet lag occurs because your body's clock is still synced to your original time zone, instead of to the time zone where you've traveled. The more time zones crossed, the more likely you are to experience jet lag.

Jet lag can cause daytime fatigue, an unwell feeling, difficulty staying alert and gastrointestinal problems. Jet lag is temporary, but it can significantly reduce your vacation or business travel comfort.

The older a person, the more severe their symptoms will normally be, and the longer it will take for their body clock to get back into sync. Children usually have milder symptoms , and they recover faster.

Causes

A disruption to your circadian rhythms

Jet lag can occur anytime you cross two or more time zones. Jet lag occurs because crossing multiple time zones puts your internal clock or circadian rhythms, which regulate your sleep-wake cycle, out of sync with the time in your new locale.

For example, if you leave New York on a flight at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and arrive in Paris at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, your internal clock still thinks it's 1:00 a.m. That means you're ready for bed just as Parisians are waking up.

And because it takes a few days for your body to adjust, your sleep-wake cycle, along with most other body functions, such as hunger and bowel habits, remains out of step with the rest of Paris.

The influence of sunlight

A key influence on your internal clock is sunlight. That's because light influences the regulation of melatonin, a hormone that helps synchronize cells throughout the body.

Certain cells in the tissue at the back of your eye (retina) transmit the light signals to an area of your brain called the hypothalamus.

At night, when the light signal is low, the hypothalamus tells the pineal gland, a small organ situated in the brain, to release melatonin. During daylight hours, the opposite occurs, and the pineal gland produces very little melatonin.

You may be able to ease your adjustment to your new time zone by exposing yourself to daylight in the new time zone so long as the timing of light is done properly

Airline cabin pressure and atmosphere

Some research shows that changes in cabin pressure and high altitudes associated with air travel may contribute to some symptoms of jet lag, regardless of travel across time zones.

In addition, humidity levels are low in planes. If you don't drink enough water during your flight, you can get slightly dehydrated. Dehydration may also contribute to some symptoms of jet lag.

Symptoms

Symptoms of jet lag can vary. You may experience only one symptom or you may have many. Jet lag symptoms may include:

·        Disturbed sleep — such as insomnia, early waking or excessive sleepiness

·        Daytime fatigue

·        Difficulty concentrating or functioning at your usual level

·        Stomach problems, constipation or diarrhea

·        A general feeling of not being well

·        Mood changes

Symptoms worse the farther you travel

Jet lag symptoms usually occur within a day or two of travel if you've traveled across at least two time zones. Symptoms are likely to be worse or last longer the more time zones that you've crossed, especially if you travel in an easterly direction. It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed

Risk factors

Factors that increase the likelihood you'll experience jet lag include:

·        Number of time zones crossed. The more time zones you cross, the more likely you are to be jet-lagged.

·        Flying east. You may find it harder to fly east, when you "lose" time, than to fly west, when you gain it back.

·        Being a frequent flyer. Pilots, flight attendants and business travelers are most likely to experience jet lag.

·        Being an older adult. Older adults may need more time to recover from jet lag than do younger adults.

Complications

Motor vehicle accidents caused by drowsy driving may be more likely in people who are jet-lagged.

Prevention

A few basic steps may help prevent jet lag or reduce its effects:

·        Arrive early. If you have an important meeting or other event that requires you to be in top form, try to arrive a few days early to give your body a chance to adjust.

·        Get plenty of rest before your trip. Starting out sleep-deprived makes jet lag worse.

·        Gradually adjust your schedule before you leave. If you're traveling east, try going to bed one hour earlier each night for a few days before your departure. Go to bed one hour later for several nights if you're flying west. If possible, eat meals closer to the time you'll be eating them at your destination.

·        Regulate bright light exposure. Because light exposure is one of the prime influences on your body's circadian rhythm, regulating light exposure may help you adjust to your new location.

In general, exposure to light in the evening helps you adjust to a later than usual time zone (traveling westward), while exposure to morning light can help you adapt to an earlier time zone faster (traveling eastward)

The one exception is if you have traveled more than eight time zones from your original time zone, because your body might mistake early morning light for evening dusk. Your body might also mistake evening light for early morning light.

So, if you've traveled more than eight time zones to the east, wear sunglasses and avoid bright light in the morning, and then allow as much sunlight as possible in the late afternoon for the first few days in your new location.

If you have traveled west by more than eight time zones, avoid sunlight a few hours before dark for the first few days to adjust to the local time.

·        Stay on your new schedule. Set your watch to the new time before you leave. Once you reach your destination, try not to sleep until the local nighttime, no matter how tired you are. Try to time your meals with local mealtimes too.

·        Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after your flight to counteract the dehydrating effects of dry cabin air. Dehydration can make jet lag symptoms worse. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you and affect your sleep.

·        Try to sleep on the plane if it's nighttime at your destination. Earplugs, headphones and eye masks can help block out noise and light. If it's daytime where you're going, resist the urge to sleep.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

 Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental , emotional , spiritual and physical levels. When jet lag  is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering the mental and physical symptoms.

ARNICA MONTANA 30—Arnica is one of the top remedies for jet lag with symptoms of exhaustion and body aches. Limbs and body ache as if beaten, joints as if sprained. Bed feels too hard or full of lumps. Great prostration , with a tired feeling. Hot head with cold body. Unable to sleep because of body ache.

The person wants to be alone.Disordered stomach with oppressive gases pass upward and downward. Belchings , tasting of bad eggs. Thirsty. Sometimes offensive diarrhea also occurs.

Arnica, to be taken before and after the flight. Take every 4 hours, and repeat if the flight is longer than four hours.

COCCULUS INDICUS 30—Cocculus is another effective remedy for jet lag with disturbed sleep. The person feels that he is still in motion and find it difficult to sleep. Sleeplessness due to mental and physical exhaustion. Fatigue due to loss of sleep. Vertigo and dizziness with nausea and vomiting.

Take every 4 hours, and repeat if the flight is longer than four hours

GELSEMIUM 30—Gelsemium is indicated for jet lag with a sense of paralysis. Dullness, dizziness , drowsiness, trembling are the marked features of Gelsemium. There is aching, weakness and soreness, especially in muscles of limbs. Great prostration. Heaviness of eyelids. Flu like sensation. Chills up and down the spine. Starts on falling to sleep. No thirst.

Take every 4 hours, and repeat if the flight is longer than four hours