Jade Wu, a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist and author of Hello Sleep, shares her expertise on combating jet lag. She explains how circadian rhythms impact our sleep and overall health, especially during holiday travel. Listeners learn about the role of melatonin, debunking common myths, and discover practical tips to ease transitions across time zones. From the importance of natural light to strategic napping, Wu offers advice that can make holiday trips more enjoyable with better sleep health.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule is essential for aligning our internal circadian rhythms, especially when traveling across time zones.
Utilizing light exposure and strategic napping upon arrival can significantly mitigate jet lag symptoms and help realign our body clocks.
Deep dives
Understanding Circadian Rhythms
The human circadian rhythm typically spans about 24 hours, although some individuals may have rhythms ranging from 24.1 to 25 hours. These internal clocks help regulate sleep and wakefulness, aligning with the external day-night cycle. When there's a disruption, such as during travel or significant lifestyle changes like having a baby, these rhythms can become out of sync, leading to feelings similar to jet lag. The misalignment can then negatively impact cognitive functions, memory, and overall health.
The Role of Light in Sleep Regulation
Light serves as the primary cue for our internal clocks, signaling to the brain whether it's day or night. Exposure to bright light during the day helps stimulate metabolism and alertness, while reduced light at night encourages melatonin production, a hormone that promotes sleep. This natural process ensures our bodies understand when to rest and when to be active. However, external factors can interfere, contributing to difficulties in sleep onset and maintenance.
Strategies for Minimizing Jet Lag
To combat jet lag effectively, one can begin adjusting their sleep schedule before traveling by going to bed and waking up earlier or later, depending on the destination's time zone. If significant preparation isn't feasible, prioritizing rest and securing good sleep leading up to the trip is crucial. Upon arriving at the destination, utilizing light exposure and strategic napping can help realign internal rhythms. Following these practices can facilitate a smoother transition to a new time zone and reduce the onset of jet lag symptoms.
Getting enough sleep regularly can be tough — and even harder when you're traveling for the holidays. "We need sleep like we need water,"says Jade Wu, a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist and author of the book Hello Sleep. She and host Regina G. Barber discuss what's happening to our bodies when we get jet lag and the clocks in our body get out of whack. They also get into the science of the circadian rhythm and how to prepare for a long flight across time zones.
Check out CDC's website for tips on minimizing jet lag.
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