Fri Dec 26 11:40:41 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article based on the provided text, focusing on the key information about jet lag:
News Article:
Jet Lag: Understanding and Combating the Traveler’s Time Warp
New Delhi, December 26, 2025 – For frequent flyers and holiday travelers, the promise of exploring new destinations can often be overshadowed by the dreaded effects of jet lag. The Hindu today delves into the science behind this common ailment and offers practical advice on how to minimize its impact.
Jet lag, a physiological condition that has been understood since the 1960’s, occurs when the body’s natural circadian rhythm, or internal clock, becomes desynchronized from the new time zone after crossing five or more time zones by plane. This disruption leads to symptoms such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, and indigestion, disrupting the body’s natural 24-hour clock that responds to environmental factors like light and darkness.
The primary cause lies in the disruption of the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), a brain region responsible for regulating sleep cycles. The light-and-dark cycle plays a crucial role, with sunlight detected by the eyes influencing body temperature and melatonin secretion, the sleep hormone.
Fortunately, jet lag’s impact can be lessened with proactive strategies. Experts recommend gradually shifting your sleep schedule several days before departure. For eastward travel, advance your bedtime by one hour; for westward travel, delay it by one hour. During the flight, adjust meal times to match the destination’s schedule, stay hydrated, and take short naps. Upon arrival, prioritize light exposure: morning light for eastward destinations and late afternoon light for westward ones.
By understanding the science behind jet lag and implementing these preventative measures, travelers can minimize its disruptive effects and make the most of their journeys.
First Piper 