Jetlag related sleep problems and their management: A review

Abstract

Objectives: We reviewed Jetlag, particularly in view of its effects on sleep and how it can be managed.

Methods: The Proquest Central database of Kırıkkale University, PubMed and Google scholar were used while searching for the following key words: "Jetlag", "symptoms", "sleep", "melatonin" and "treatment".

Results: Flight dysrhythmia, otherwise known as jetlag, is caused by flying globally over various time zones. Most passengers who fly over six or more different time zones generally require 4-6 days after travelling to resume their usual sleep patterns and to feel less lethargic during the day. Signs of jet lag can vary between debilitated awareness, insomnia, feeling tired during the day and frequent waking during the night. During the night our pineal glands excrete a hormone called melatonin; dim lights cause the continuation of excretion of these hormones whereas any exposure to bright lights stems the flow of release. Common precautionary measures are specific diets, bright lights and melatonin agonists (Ramelteon, Agomelatine).

Conclusion: Sleep issues derived from jetlag were found to be most common in passengers who flew through various time belts. Melatonin assumes a critical part in adjusting the body's circadian rhythms and has been utilized restoratively to re-establish irritated circadian rhythms.

Keywords: Circadian rhythms; Flight dysrhythmia; Jetlag; Melatonin agonists; Sleep problems.