How long does Jet Lag last for?

One of the primary reasons for jet lag appears to be disruption to the body's internal clock, as one moves through different time zones. In addition to this, the lack of adequate oxygen in pressurised cabins, whilst travelling on airplanes is also thought to contribute to the effect of Jet Lag.

The other factor that appears to have an effect on the intensity of  Jet lag  appears to be whether a person is travelling from West to East or East to West.

Travel direction in which one loses time (West to East) appears to have a greater effect in terms of Jet lag than when one gains time (travelling from East to West).

Also stopovers during long flights, which gives one some time to get out into the open and/or get some sunlight can also help in reducing the degree of jet lag.

The duration for which Jet Lag therefore lasts for, is based on how long it takes for a person's internal body clock to get over the interruption. Obviously this is going to differ from person to person and is also dependant on the direction on which the person travels.

As a rule of thumb, one may assume that it will take one day to recover for every time zone covered whilst travelling from East to West. On the other direction it will take about one day of recovery for every one and a half time zone covered whilst travelling from West to East.

So as an example, if you were to cover 6 time zones, whilst travelling from East to West, it might take you about 6 days to recover completely. However if you were travelling from West to East & covered 6 time zones, it would take you only 4 days to recover.

There are of course ways to minimise the full impact of jet lag.

The trick is preparation and the taking of some deliberate steps.

Click here to read about a remedy for jet lag.