Learn about Jet lag symptoms from Consumer Reports Health.

Jet lag

What are the symptoms of jet lag?

The main symptom is tiredness, which can be severe.

Jet lag also:

Disturbs your sleep
Upsets your concentration
Makes you irritable
Stops you from working or relaxing properly
Stops you from eating properly
Upsets your digestive system
Makes you feel generally unwell.

Some people feel the effects of jet lag more than others. You may be lucky and not feel them at all.

In general, flying east seems to be worse than flying west.

Source:
Herxheimer A, Petrie KJ.
Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag.
In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.

Sources for the information on this page:

Herxheimer A, Petrie KJ.Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag. In: The Cochrane Library. Wiley, Chichester, UK.

This information was last updated on Feb 05, 2009

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
© BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2009. All rights reserved.

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