Jet lag revisited

"Jet lag" (disruption of internal time rhythms) is, basically, a medical topic upon which we non-medical people cannot know a lot--except how it affects us.

What the posts we've received here over the years tell us is that the disruption of internal time mechanism is real. It may affect different people in different ways.

And we also know that, over the years, many travelers have reported that "jet lag" does disrupt their reactions in the first couple of days, and we've learned from posts here that many travelers plan for it by not planning long rental car drives right off the plane (as a safety factor).
And usually by planning for slower 1st and 2nd days.

I think we help inexperienced travelers, when they ask about "jet lag", that for safety reasons they should not plan on getting out of the plane and jumping in a rental car for a long or challenging drive in unfamiliar conditions, while they are impaired.

A trip to Rome 2 years ago seemed to involve no jet lag. Maybe it was the time of year (December), or the time of arrival (just before bedtime), or some other factor. On most other trips, despite taking precautions (like not drinking alcohol on the plane ride over), it's been tougher. Usually, about 3-4 days in, fatigue sets in for a day, something a traveling companion once termed a "dead puppy day," as it seems everything stops.

In my view, many of the responses are to people who have not traveled internationally before and have set up long touring itineraries on their arrival days without realizing they may be not functioning at a high level. The responses don't annoy me, it's an open forum and people are encouraged to post their opinions on travel-related issues. I do think they are helpful at least to put it on the traveler's radar screen for a potential problem.

"These generalizations can be discouraging and are not helpful"

To the contrary, I think that when someone inquires about jet lag, general information is precisely what they need so they can consider their personal situation. It gets repetitive, of course, but there a lot of people whose longest flight to date was across the U.S. 'What's true for many people' is a good place to start to consider the question, and it is surely true that for most people there are some negative effects from jet lag, is it not?

it is surely true that for most people there are some negative effects
from jet lag, is it not?
(from Dave's post)

Yes, that's what many years of posts here have told us.

Just to clarify--I agree that general information is very helpful and much needed and appreciated by travelers old and new. What I object to is a declaration, such as, "You WILL be jet-lagged." Much better to say , "You MIGHT be jet-lagged.."
IMO

It does not matter how tired or not people feel upon arrival. This is subjective and different people will feel differently. What has been objectively verified by studies on pilots is that when the circadian rhythm is rapidly disrupted, reaction times suffer, and in some cases,are no better than if the same person were drunk. So the usual caution not to drive a long distance immediately after arrival is backed up by quite a bit of science.

"We get many inexperienced travelers on here with "ambitious"... plans for their day of landing"

I always like 'flying into Shannon, renting a car at the airport, then driving to Dingle'

Even better... flying into Frankfurt, renting a car and driving to Munich/Rothenburg/Baden-Baden. Jet-lagged, unfamiliarity with the area, heavy traffic congestion and no speed limits in certain areas. No matter which side of the great train vs rental car debate you fall on, I think we can agree that this is not a prudent plan.

I agree with Joan. She is not saying that jetlag doesn't happen, nor that it should not be mentioned if the OP doesn't bring it up. I think she is objecting to the often-seen statement, "You will be jetlagged" by well-meaning posters who have no idea how a disruption of the circadian rhythm will affect the OP. For example, I never experience jetlag.

I think the command "You will be jetlagged" is especially unhelpful to people who have never traveled abroad before, or never experienced a coast-to-coast flight.

Even if the OP doesn't bring up the subject, nothing wrong with saying something like: "Many travelers experience jetlag after a long flight, so it may be helpful to plan a light touring schedule for arrival day."

I think the driving safety issue mentioned by Tom (a physician) is even more important to mention to travelers not experienced in trans-oceanic flights.
Because whether the traveler is aware of it or not, after a trans-oceanic flight, what Tom is saying, I think, is that there's medical evidence that you're probably driving impaired because your reaction times are slower.

You might not be aware of it, but it could get you into an accident, it's potentially a safety issue for inexperienced travelers to Europe who are planning on getting of the plane, and jumping into a rental car, like they would do on a domestic flight, to do some driving in Europe that might be challenging--either other side of the road, in congested cities, unfamiliarity with car and area, lengthy drive.

Everybody gets to do their own trip the way they want. But better for your safety, and that of your loved ones, if you know what you're doing re this issue.

I am wondering if the Angels dancing on the head of a pin suffer jet lag.

Joan. It depends on where you are flying from. Show me a person who has flown from Australia to Europe (22 hours in the air) and has no effects of jetlag .......

Hi,

I certainly would not suggest to someone unfamiliar with flying long distances non stop, say ten hrs plus as it takes from Calif to FRA or Paris, to drive a rental car upon landing. You never know exactly how would you feel based on stamina, sleep, age, jet lag, if any, or whatever. But the taking the train is another story. That can easily be done. After a 10 hrs or so flight from SFO to Frankfurt, getting at 10 am, on the last trip, I wanted to continue to Berlin. So within a couple of hours of dilly-dallying at the Hbf, I got on the train to Berlin direct, arriving there in the late afternoon.

I agree, Joan. While there is no harm in warning someone that their itinerary might be too ambitious or they may be tired or overestimating what they can accomplish, it bothers me, too, when people make absolute statements like "you will be exhausted". That makes people assume that they should plan nothing for the first day. In my own experience, I have no problem whatsoever. An early poster mocked someone who plans to "get off the plane in Shannon, rent a car, and drive to Dingle". I have done exactly that with no ill effects. I have also gotten off the plane at Shannon and driven to Blarney on the first day. Again, no problem. Not everyone is planning to drive, anyway. My vacation time is sometimes short, and I don't want to waste it sitting around a B&B an hour away from Shannon because I was told I would be exhausted. Suggesting that someone might not know how they will be affected is helpful. Telling them they will be affected is not, because it's simply not true in all cases.

Joan,

When a question is posted here from a person who has never flown internationally and never been subjected to jet lag, we all try to provide the best answers possible based on our own experiences and those of people we know. As others have mentioned, jet lag affects everyone differently. While you may be able to sleep on flights, I've never had much success with that so there's definitely a "period of adjustment" for the first few days.

Prior to my first trip across the pond, I thought I'd handle jet lag well as I was used to time changes from working shift work for over 40 years. The reality was far different and I found that it really slowed me down for the first few days after arrival. In reading many posts here over the years, I get the impression this affects many people the same way. The much touted theory to get lots of sunshine and fresh air only works in a limited way for me and I usually have to resort to a power nap.

Comments such as "you will be jet lagged" will I suspect apply to the majority of people to some degree. If the people asking the questions find that's not the case, they will then know how they handle jet lag.

I am in total agreement with Joan and the others who have agreed with her. When asked specifically about jet lag or when asked to comment on an ambitious itinerary (particularly on a fast paced first day), then absolutely the possibility of jet lag and it's effects should be mentioned. However, to make flat out statements such as "you will be jet lagged" or "you will not be able to function on your first day" are irresponsible and possibly incorrect.

Like a couple of other responders I have never suffered the ill effects of jet lag - I don't know why, call me 'lucky'. I have flown 24 hours (Minneapolis to LA to Christchurch NZ) and picked up a rental car on arrival and driven over Arthur's Pass (across the South Island) to my first overnight accommodations - and that also being the first time I drove on the left side of the road. Now, I'm not saying that it would be good advice to an inexperienced traveler to do that, on the contrary I would advise against it. But I do advise people who ask not to plan too much on their arrival day and not to drive too far, especially if they are not frequent travelers and don't know yet how jet lag will affect them.

Everyone is different and jet lag effects are different in each of us. So lets give advice on jet lag tempered with a "your experience may differ" and stop the definitive statements that may or may not be true.

It was not my intent to mock anyone, least of all you, Nancy. This is one of those 'most people' or 'most of the time' things, imo, and in my mind, at least, most people would relate to an analogy such as I made.

No offense intended to those unaffected by jet lag.

Dave, no offense taken and I didn't think you were mocking anybody. What you just said is what Joan and I and others are saying: it's NOT an everybody thing, it's a MOST people thing and therefore blanket statements that everyone WILL have issues are not helpful. Suggestions that someone most likely will suffer some effects of jet lag their first day are fine.

Oh that's funny I was referring to Nancy in Bloomington's post! ;-)

A few years ago, there was an article in the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung about just this topic... jet-lagged travelers (usually from North America) getting into traffic accidents on A5, A3 and A63. I took particularly interest because I drove on these three Autobahn routes very frequently. I remember the article ending on a statement from a member of the Polizei that went something like "Please, Americans, consider the effects of jet lag!"

So, rather than getting miffed at posters on this website for having the gall to suggest that you might be too tired to accomplish your ambitious day one travel goals, let's consider the very real world public safety concern here. Especially as a guest in a foreign country.

I think a lot depends on a person's age, energy level and physical condition. On my first trip abroad a few years ago--flight from San Francisco to London--I took the helpful advice from one of Rick's books and I've never been adversely affected; now that I know what works for me, I stick to it:

Arrive early to late afternoon and stay on my feet until a normal early bedtime--about 9 -10 pm.

I'm unable to really zonk out on the plane but may doze intermittently for 1/2 hour at a time, no napping upon arrival--tidy up and out the door to get my bearings.

I plan nothing major nor do I buy tickets in advance for anything on my arrival or first full day, though so far I've been full of energy and managed to cram a lot in.

Going home--again, I like to arrive early to mid-afternoon, gives me time to get home, unpack and do a bit of laundry or grocery shopping.

Ha Dave, that is funny. I guess I just didn't register that comment in Nancy's post (Nancy from Bloomington, that is). I'll have to pay closer attention in the future. :-)

Side topic: has anyone here tried Provigil for jetlag?

It was supposed to have been approved back in 2013 for eastbound jetlag but the FDA didn't like the way the drug-maker conducted their study, so the application was pulled.

I haven't tried Provigil/modafanil personally, but it is prescribed for jet lag. Or more specifically, to give the correct ICD 10 diagnosis, "Circadian rhythm disorder: jet-lag type".

Other factors that will affect the degree to which one might (or might not) experience jet lag:

How many connections one has (along with the wait times) before they board their international leg.....ditto for coming home.

Is there the 'screaming baby' issue to deal with? The seat kicker? The noisy chatters that just keep going when it's 'lights out'? Several extra announcements (likely weather related for seatbelts)? Where one is seated.....easier if other passengers don't wake you up to go to the bathroom right when you fall asleep.....or easier if your seat is not right in front of the restroom, etc.

The only times I have ever slept 'soundly' was when in business class. Those trips were the only times I and my spouse did not experience some degree of jet lag.

While Joan, you have a good point regarding 'absolutes,' there are lots of things in life where we state absolutes and there are always exceptions. If you eat too much and don't exercise, you will gain weight.....'too much' varies for everyone.....but the generalization is 'generally' true. Generally, international travelers (who are not in business class or first class) WILL have some jet lag......unless they are the rare individual who can sleep on concrete in Grand Central Station (okay exaggeration :) And, even Business Class and First Class passengers are likely to experience some need for adjustment of their body clocks.

Seasickness is a similar topic. Everyone told us we would get seasick going thru Drake's Passage to Antarctica. While we were blessed with relatively calm seas, several other passengers had problems. We didn't. At the southern point of New Zealand on another trip, we experienced 41 foot waves (who knew that could happen there?) and while we would not 'ask' for that situation again, we did fine. Other passengers were totally sick, and we were the 'rare breed' that could have sat down to a huge meal during all that (if our plates/glasses did not slide). People are different, but generally most people are very, very similar. I still hold that 'most' people WILL experience jetlag.......Nancy and Joan are among the blessed that don't.

I do agree with Joan re: the nap.........usually we 'keep going' upon arrival and start melting around 4--5:00 pm, then nap and wake up for dinner around 8:00, much refreshed. But, the point made about body clocks is very valid. It has been long known that a similar thing happens to 'shift workers,' and sometimes with long-lasting health effects.

since the side topic of meds, etc, has been opened....anyone try ginger for jet lag?

Not true. Some people are able to sleep on the plane or are simply not
affected.

This may have been a throwaway, but it suggests a fundamental misunderstanding of what jet lag is.

It's not lack of sleep, and sleeping on the plane does not prevent it.

Many sources also say that sleeping aids can prolong jet lag or make it worse.

@ Dave...no offense taken. I'm one of those not affected by jet lag.

I would say twenty years ago I was; on some flights not on others, but that before I made it point to sleep on the plane after the hot meal regardless...screaming kids in the summer I've put up with, can't remember if that kid kept me from falling asleep. I recall some of the passengers sitting nearby were pretty ticked at the parents and the kid. On a ten hour plus flight from SFO, I can easily count on 3-6 hrs of sleep. If I'm lucky on that flight to get the six or seven, max, then I land in the morning local time feeling much better than had I only gotten three. Definitely no pills involved. Sleeping during the flight is essential.

Joan,

Thanks for pointing this out!

I'm guilty for having written; " you will be jet-lagged"...

So, from now on, I will write; "You might be jet-lagged.."

And for those of you who do not suffer the effects of jet lag, you are very fortunate indeed!

I think I suggested the second one about not taking a nap, and it was entirely based on our personal experience after taking Rick Steve's advice from his travel skills videos. It was the best thing for us and allowed for a pretty full day of sightseeing on the same day we arrived in Copenhagen.

I will continue to respectfully suggest this to anyone asking. And why this would upset anyone is beyond me.

I agree with Joan and the others about not making absolute statements about jet lag but I also think that applies to a lot of things. I try not to make an absolute statements about anything unless I know it is a concrete fact ( this museum is closed Mondays or this train costs 5 euros). Otherwise, I know it is my opinion and I am just sharing my experience to try and help someone.

On a side note, I used to say I was never affected by jet lag...until I was, on trip number 15-ish overseas. I took a night flight Chicago-London-Stockholm. I used miles to fly business class and slept like a baby on the flight. We had long layover in Heathrow due to weather so by the time I arrived in Stockholm, it was dinner and bedtime. That next day, I toured Stockholm through a pretty foggy/dream like state. And then I actually kept falling asleep at the dinner table, also like a baby, but minus the cuteness. I am very thankful we returned to Stockholm later because I didn't remember it well the first time.

I have no idea what was different about that trip and it has never happened again. But from that point on, I have been more careful about first and second day travels in case it happens again.