Is jet lag worse going to or from Europe?


Is jet lag worse going to or from Europe? Sleep Foundation notes that jet lag happens when we travel across three or more time zones. And, there's bad news for anyone traveling from the U.S. to Europe: jet lag is worse when you travel east than it is when you travel west. Why is this?


Which travel direction is worse for jet lag?

Most people find that jet lag is worse when traveling east than it is when traveling west. View Source . Jet lag differs based on the direction of travel because it's generally easier to delay your internal clock than advance it. Jet lag does not occur on north-south flights that do not cross multiple time zones.


Why is flying west better for jet lag?

Flying east or west makes a difference to jet lag Your circadian rhythm (body clock) is less confused if you travel westward. This is because travelling west 'prolongs' the body clock's experience of its normal day-night cycle (the normal tendency of the body clock in most of us is slightly longer than 24 hours).


Is jet lag worse coming or going?

Adjustment to a 9-hour time shift from eastward travel was determined to be the most taxing to the body's circadian system, according to the researchers' model, requiring the most recovery time from jet lag.


How long does jet lag last from France to USA?

Jet lag can last anywhere from four to five days. Some specialists say that traveling over just one or two time zones is minimally problematic. Individuals who encounter jet lag feel better a few days after arriving at their destination. But it can take up to one week for some people to feel back to themselves.


Should I eat when jet lagged?

Drink water, drink water and drink water. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and salted snacks. If you've decided to not eat inflight and give your body a break from digesting, that's great. But if fasting doesn't appeal, pack healthy snacks that will help you reduce the effects of jet lag.


Is jetlag worse going or coming from Europe?

Unfortunately, jet lag is worse when you're traveling east. To help mitigate some of the issues connected to jet lag, adjust your sleep schedule before you leave. Go to bed 1-2 hours earlier than you normally would to help yourself adapt to the local time zone.


Is jet lag worse from UK to USA?

Symptoms may be more pronounced as more time zones are crossed. Most people find that jet lag is worse when traveling east than it is when traveling west.


Does flying business class reduce jet lag?

And when you're looking at long journey, a sleepless flight can make overcoming jet lag that much harder. Yes, of course flying business class with a lie-flat bed is better when it comes to sleeping and adjusting time zones. Duh: This isn't some grand revelation.


What causes the worst jet lag?

Plane travel makes jet lag worse because your body moves much faster than your brain and circadian rhythms can process the time change. Other aspects of travel can also contribute to jet lag and may make symptoms worse: Long periods of sitting on a plane. Lack of oxygen and decreased air pressure in the airplane cabin.


Why is travelling east worse for jet lag?

Flying east or west makes a difference to jet lag This is because travelling west 'prolongs' the body clock's experience of its normal day-night cycle (the normal tendency of the body clock in most of us is slightly longer than 24 hours). Travelling eastwards, however, runs in direct opposition to the body clock.


Should you nap after flying to Europe?

Limit naps in the days following your arrival. If you need it, taking a short nap can help you stay awake during the day. But napping for more than 30 minutes can keep you from falling asleep at night. Try to stay awake until your normal bedtime and get up on time the next day.


What is the best time to fly to avoid jet lag?

If you have the choice, try to book a flight that leaves between 8 am and noon and arrives between 6 pm and 10 pm. According to this book, flights that leave late at night (10 pm-1 am) and arrive in the morning (8 am to noon) give a much bigger risk for jet lag.


How long does it take to get over jet lag from Europe?

It usually takes about a day to recover for each time zone crossed.


Can jet lag last 3 days?

Duration of Jet Lag: How Long It Lasts
Researchers have found that, on average, it takes people about one day to adjust for each 1 to 1.5 hours of time change. So if you fly from the East Coast to the West Coast, which is a three-hour time difference, you should be over your jet lag in two to three days.


How bad is jet lag from US to Europe?

One study claims it only takes two-thirds of a day per zone, or about six days to adjust to a nine-hour time difference (west to east). For westward flights it is somewhat easier to adjust to the time-zone shift, only requiring about half a day per time zone.


How do flight attendants avoid jet lag?

Six Ways Flight Attendants Live With Jet Lag
  1. 1 Water.
  2. 2 Eat light.
  3. 3 Use breaks.
  4. 4 Down route.
  5. 5 Sleep.
  6. 6 Don't push.


Should I sleep on the plane to avoid jet lag?

Try to Sleep During the Flight
One of the best ways to minimize jet lag is to try and sleep during the flight. Using earplugs, eye masks, or noise-cancellation headphones helps to block out light and noise.


How do pilots deal with jet lag?

Common ways pilots avoid jetlag is staying hydrated, good rest, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, exercising, or sleeping on the airplane. For long-haul flights airlines use multiple pilots for the flight to allow each pilot to get some rest. The more time zones that are crossed, the worse the jet lag.