NetJets EU Autumn 2023

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Dr Greg Vanichkachorn, of Mayo Clinic’s Aerospace Medicine
team, on the perils of jet lag and how to to deal with them
JÖRN KASPUHL
JET LAG IS a common complaint among those who travel long
distances and can sometimes be so disruptive that a longawaited
trip is practically ruined. Are there ways to combat
or even beat jet lag? Dr Greg Vanichkachorn of Mayo Clinic’s
Aerospace Medicine team offers advice on minimising the
disruption of jet lag.
“Jet lag isn’t just being tired after travel,” Dr Vanichkachorn
says. “Here at Mayo Clinic, we call it jet lag disorder. It’s a
state where your body’s internal clock isn’t in sync with the
external environment.”
Dr Vanichkachorn explains that, while symptoms of jet
lag usually include fatigue, that’s not the only problem it
can cause. Gastrointestinal issues, confusion, changes in
cognitive levels, depression and anxiety can all be the result
of jet lag disorder.
“All jet lag isn’t equal,” Dr Vanichkachorn says. “It can be
impacted by the direction of travel, how many time zones
you’re crossing. It’s usually harder on your body when you’re
traveling east because you’re losing time.”
Dr Vanichkachorn estimates that it takes about a day per
time zone you have crossed to adjust to the time at your
new location.
But what if you just don’t have the time to waste on several
days of malaise due to jet lag? What if you need to be on top of
your game for a presentation to a major client, or you’re taking
your family on the trip of a lifetime? Can travel via NetJets
help with jet lag?
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