STAYING IN SYNC 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? NetJets 39
