The processes of all animals and plants follow a 24-hour rhythm called body clock. This is our personal synchronization with the daylight-darkness cycle. When you travel in an airplane crossing time zones, say from New York to Houston, your body clock cannot adjust itself quickly enough. Your will lose sync with the new daylight-darkness cycle of where you left (NY) and does not recover quickly for the place that you are going (Houston). This causes a condition of disorientation called jet lag.
A person experiencing jet lag can feel cranky, mildly depressed, as well as forgetful. The person may find it difficult to concentrate, may suffer a loss of appetite and may suffer from disturbed sleep pattern. The may become dehydrated and get swollen feet.
A long flight to places within the same time zone will not cause jet lag; it may give you cramps, headache and discomfort. A journey from Los Angeles to Tokyo which goes across time zones can cause jet lag, not the journey from Johannesburg to Frankfurt which is within the same time zone. Crossing time zones is the essential condition necessary for being jet lagged.
Everybody does not suffer jet lag nor to the same extent. Women in reproductive age group are more prone to suffer from a jet lag. Also jet lag seems to affect the younger set more than the old. Physiological adjustability of a person plays a large part. If you suffer from jet law there are certain preventative measures you can take to avoid severity of discomfort from jet lag
Before the airplane ride try to be relaxed and avoid any extra mental stress. Having a good night's sleep before starting on the journey is essential. On the aircraft drink plenty of fluids, preferably water. Do not drink too much alcohol. While in the air walk up and down the aisle a few times. Do a little stretching exercise. If you can manage. To avoid swelling of feet, remove your shoes and stretch your legs and wiggle your toes.
Some people suggest taking sleeping pills to get over jet lag; but be advised that it may cause rather unpleasant consequences. There are many "anti jet lag" preparations on market but you should observe caution before using them. Anti jet lag diets are available; but apart from their doubtful efficacy, following such a diet for a few days before and after journey strictly could be quite cumbersome. There is an OTC (over the counter) homeopathic drug available which is said to be effective; being homeopathic medicine it may be free of side effects.
Drugs such as Melatonin are advertised as an anti jet lag drug; but you have to start taking it at specific times a few days prior to the journey and continue taking it for a few days after completion of the journey. Its anti jet lag claims are not really supported by research. On the contrary it may lead to worsening of the jet lag symptoms. In fact in UK Melatonin is banned altogether.
A jet lagged condition may carry on for many days. Recovery from jet lag at the rate of "one day per time zone" is considered quite reasonable. The easiest methods for rapid recovery are relaxation, good sleep, sensible diet and moderate exercise. No fun at all for a vacation. This is what you have to do at home. Give it go anyway and attempt to have fun. Bon voyage!
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