A simple but often underestimated element of travel can significantly affect how intense a person will experience jet lag.
This determining factor is none other than the time of arrival, as according to sleep and travel experts, jet lag is not just fatigue from flying. It is a case where the body's biological clock is disrupted, since, as experts explain, this internal time system regulates basic functions such as sleep, wakefulness, body temperature and overall daily functioning.
Thus, when the biological clock is out of sync due to the time zone change, the body needs time to adapt, resulting in symptoms such as intense fatigue, difficulty sleeping, reduced concentration, and a general feeling of disorganisation.
Experts emphasise that landing time can act as an ally or an enemy in the adjustment. Afternoon arrivals, approximately between 2pm and 5pm, are considered the most favourable, as they allow the traveller to be exposed to natural daylight and stay awake until evening, helping the body to synchronise with the new local time more quickly.
Natural light is the most powerful regulator of the biological clock, as it informs the brain when it is day and when it is night. For this reason, arriving early in the morning or late at night can make it difficult to adjust, especially if there is no proper management of sleep and light exposure in the following hours.
Additionally, flights to eastern destinations tend to cause more severe jet lag than those to the west, as the body has more difficulty catching up on time. Conversely, western destinations are often considered easier to adjust to.
Finally, experts emphasise that preparation before traveling also plays an important role. Gradual sleep adjustment, proper light exposure, and hydration can significantly reduce symptoms and help the body adjust more quickly to the new time zone.
(Source: travelandleisure)
This article first appeared, in Greek, in the most recent edition of Hermes Airports' online newsletter, Flight Mode. Click here to view it.
