Jet lag "weakens" immune system?

[pippo]

Not sure if its true, people, but anyone ever hear of this? I heard years ago, not sure where, that jumping on a plane, travelling to say, Europe which is about 6 hrs ahead, screws up your biological clock severely. I believe it, as biologivcal click is how we regulate much of our body chemical procesees. I heard it can take 6 months for your immune system to recover. You may not "feel it", but it does take time.

 

maybe Im misinformed- feedback appreciated. (flying to Australia, and not feeling happy about it right now......LOL)

[iNow]

Jet lag is an issue that effects your sleep and your circadian rhythms, and both of those impact the effectiveness of your immune system. It's absolutely a real thing, but I would challenge your suggestion that it takes 6 months to recover. Maybe 6 days, but 6 months sounds far too long IMO.

 

More here:

 

http://news.sciencemag.org/biology/2013/11/why-late-nights-are-bad-your-immune-system

Jet lag, shift work, and even late nights staring at your tablet or smartphone may be making you sick. That's because the body's internal clock is set for two 12-hour periods of light and darkness, and when this rhythm is thrown off, so is the immune system. One reason may be that... <continue reading>

[abbey]

Hi,

 

traveling to different time zones affects the circadian rhythm, indeed. The change of daylight and sleep patterns affects many systems of the human body, including the hormonal system.

If you take the hormonal system as an example, the hormone Cortisol is release by the adrenal glands in large amounts after awakening in the morning. If your sleep patterns are disturbed, this will also disturb your cortisol levels. Cortisol is believed to have an affect on the immune system, and another function is to help in the break down of fats lipids. The break down of lipids probably explains why shift workers are can easily gain a couple of pounds without chaining their eating habits neither there exercise levels. I have had that personal experience while I was working different shifts at the hospital. Anyway, the human body will always try to get back to homeostasis as quickly as possible.

From my personal experience, it takes around 5-6 days to get back to normal if you choose your flight times wisely. I went to a specialist homeopath when I was travelling a lot to support my body and she prescribed my some homeopathics which really worked for me and reduced the jet lag time to around 2 days. I always try to get a midnight flight, so I'm tired and sleep the first leg. Depending where you flying from, Australia is tough one. though. From Europe, a stop over in Asia for a day or two definitely helps to stretch your legs a bit.

 

Bye

Edited January 11, 2014 by abbey

[CharonY]

Homepathic as in traditional or herbal remedy, or as in pure water?

[pippo]

thanks, people. Good to know. even 6 days- best to reduce it when possible. Man, didnt evolve for that abuse.

[iNow]

You can take a melatonin supplement to help your body adjust more quickly. Works well for me when I travel to Asia for work.