Life Kit Jet lag is not 'a choice' — here's what to know
16 snips
May 14, 2024 
Jade Wu, a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist from Duke University, dives deep into the science of jet lag and its impact on our body clocks. She debunks the myth that jet lag is merely a choice, highlighting its real physiological effects on cognitive function and mood. Wu shares practical tips for mitigating jet lag, emphasizing the importance of aligning travel with your sleep patterns. She also discusses how socio-economic factors can influence one’s ability to manage the challenges of jet lag. Tune in for valuable insights to improve your travel experience!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Jet Lag Is Real
- Jet lag is a real, biological phenomenon, not a choice, as Taylor Swift jokingly claimed.
- Our bodies struggle to adapt when crossing multiple time zones rapidly.
Circadian Misalignment
- Jet lag is a form of circadian misalignment, where internal body clocks are out of sync with the external environment.
- The brain's master clock gets confused, disrupting the body's systems.
Pre-Travel Prep
- For trips across three or more time zones, prepare by banking sleep beforehand.
- Gradually shift your sleep schedule 15-30 minutes earlier daily if traveling east.
