The symptoms of jet lag can vary from person to person. The severity of your symptoms will usually depend on how far you have travelled and how many time zones you have crossed.
Most people will only have the symptoms of jet lag after crossing at least three time zones, although some people may get mild symptoms after shorter journeys.
Sleep disturbance
A disturbed sleep pattern is one of the most common symptoms of jet lag. Although jet lag can make you tired, you may find it difficult to sleep at the correct times. For example, you may be awake during the night and sleep during the day.
As well as disturbed sleep, other symptoms of jet lag can include:
- indigestion
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- nausea
- loss of appetite
- difficulty concentrating
- feeling disoriented
- anxiety
- irritability
- memory problems
- clumsiness
- lack of energy
- lightheadedness
- confusion
- headaches
- sweating
- muscle soreness
- menstrual irregularities in women who travel often
- generally feeling unwell
The symptoms of jet lag will usually last for no more than a day or two, depending on how quickly your body can adjust to the new time zone.
