Research Report: Jetlag Health Impact

The holiday season is a heavy travel season, and changing time zones can produce jetlag. For some people, symptoms of jetlag are more severe. A recent UK study looked into the metabolic disruption jetlag produces.

COMMON EXPERIENCES

Most people are familiar with the typical symptoms of jetlag such as:

• sleepiness
• fatigue or sluggish
• concentration and alertness issues
• digestive issues 
• generally feeling less well  

2024 STUDY

In November 2024, the University of Surrey in the UK examined the deeper effects of jetlag on the body. Much of what they found could also apply to those working second and third shifts at work. Their research was published in the November 2024 journal iScience.  

“Our study found that disruption to the body clock such as with jetlag or shift work has a negative impact on the metabolism.” Jonathan Johnston, Professor University of Surrey, November 2024, Journal iScience

Their findings show that metabolically jetlag or shift work can create imbalances in the following areas:

• reduced energy as body tries to digest meals
• alters blood sugar and fat levels
• food remains in the stomach longer and is slower to release to small intestines

The research points out that this level of metabolic disruption occurs with at least a five-hour time change and can take 2-3 days for the body to recover. The brain, however, was a different story. The brain’s ability to recover was slower. The symptoms of sleepiness and lack of alertness takes longer than 5 days for the same time delay. Professor Jonathan Johnson refers to this as “impairment of the sleep cycle.”  

“Understanding the impact of circadian rhythms on our health can help us make informed choices about our lifestyle.”  Jonathan Johnston, Professor University of Surrey, November 2024, Journal iScience

2023 STUDY

A study done in April 2023 by the University of Massachusetts Amherst, found that circadian disruption causes neurogenesis (growth and development of nervous tissue). This research discussed the downside of the misalignment of our biological clock. This research was published in the April 2023 journal eNeuro. According to the report, our brain has difficulty with timezone changes or shift work as it affects a gene called Cry1 (cryptochrome) that regulates the circadian clock. This can also affect brain neurons in the hippocampus which supports memory and learning. Science reports that disruption in this area of the brain can increase the risk of dementia and mental illness. 

“Circadian disruption impacts a lot of things. There are links to cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and neurogenesis. This is internal misalignment and a state of desynchrony between organs causing adverse impacts on neurogenesis.” Michael 

Seifu Bahiru, Ph.D. Professor Emeritus of Biology 

COMPLICATIONS

Often complications come into play when people change their shifts frequently in a short amount of time or if traveling across time zones the return trip is in less than 7 days. The discomfort will last longer and take longer to recover. There are also additional concerns such as:

• mood swings
• headaches
• decreased productivity
• more difficulty concentrating 

Modern medicine also cautions pregnant women from traveling and getting jetlag due to negative impacts on the fetus such as:

• metabolic disorders
• skeletal and cardiac disorders 

A 2006 report from the National Library of Medicine Center for Biotechnology also cautions the elderly from experiencing frequent trips that produce jetlag increasing cognitive health risks.

SAFER TRAVELS

Being aware of the health effects of air travel is important. Reports suggest that taking dietary supplements two weeks before traveling across time zones helps reduce the negative effects of jetlag. If you can take the supplements with you it will buffer the return trip as well. Vitamin B helps to support the nervous system and brain. Ginkgo biloba herb helps with memory and plant-based calcium helps with sleep. There are a few products at Apothecary Herbs to look into for additional support:

• Calcium Formula (sleep aid)
• Body Foundation Food Mix (high in natural B vitamins)
• Brain Concentrate (memory nourishment)
• Valerian Root (removes nervous system tension and anxiety)
• Relaxation Formula (removes muscle tension)
• Ginger Root Tincture (soothe motion sickness and nausea)
• Gentian Root (helps with digestion to move food out of the stomach in a timely manner and if taken 30 minutes before eating prevents overeating)
• (avoid gas and bloating)
• Slippery Elm Tincture (hinders diarrhea) 

Understanding the impact of circadian rhythm changes and recognizing the symptoms—such as fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and mood changes—are the first steps toward managing it effectively. With strategies like gradual adjustment before travel, staying hydrated, supporting your body with supplements, and being mindful of sleep practices, you can ease the transition and reduce the duration of jet lag. Go into this holiday season empowered!

Sources:

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2024/11/241119132709.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/04/230403100325.htm

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jet-lag/symptoms-causes/syc-20374027

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1635966/

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Seek medical advice from a licensed medical physician before using any product or therapy.*