Can Jet Lag cause anxiety?

In order to evaluate whether Jet Lag can cause anxiety, it is necessary to examine what Jet Lag actually is.

Jet lag is the feeling of disorientation encountered as a result of crossing time zones.

Why does it happen?

Numerous studies and research have been undertaken analysing the reasons behind jet lag.

One of the key reasons appear to be our body’s internal clock.

It is now accepted that the human body has an internal clock.  This internal clock is based on a twenty-four hour rhythms known as circadian (about a day).

Interestingly, the circadian rhythm is present in the physiological process of most living beings, including plants, animals and of course human being. It is now thought that circadian rhythms are internally generated, although they can be influenced by external stimuli such as temperature and sunlight.

The interruption of the body’s normal circadian rhythm is thought to be a key cause of Jet Lag, although it is not the only cause.

The number of time zones that have been crossed and the direction of travel undertaken also appear to have a strong bearing on the phenomena of Jet lag.

Jet lag seems to be greater when one is traveling from the West to the East. “Losing time” appears to have a greater effect as compared to traveling in the opposite direction (East to West, when one ‘gains time’).

Some symptoms of Jet lag may include:

	Feeling of extreme fatigue
	Disorientation
	Inability to concentrate
	Insomnia
	Ear aches
	Sore throats
	Swollen feet
	Nausea and vomiting
	Impaired vision
	Impaired coordination
	Sweaty palms
	Diarhhea
	Some form of memory loss

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A number of the symptoms outlined above are obviously physical (swollen feet, ear aches, sore throat etc.)

Some of the effects are mental (disorientation, loss of memory etc.).

However another form of effect is also emotional (ie. Anxiety before, during and after travel).

Looking at the list above, is it any wonder that there is anxiety involved? Anything that causes us to experience any one of these symptoms would be enough to cause us anxiety.

Hence, in my view, Jet lag can cause anxiety. Please note however that I am not a medical doctor and I am not dispensing any medical advice.

The fact that jet lag can cause anxiety is an observation based on personal my experience

However there are now a number of solutions that can help reduce Jet lag and thereby reduce the anxiety.

My recommendation is Christian Goodman's simple solution on avoiding jet lag.