Jet lag facts for kids

Jet lag is a common feeling you might get when you travel across different time zones. It happens because your body's internal clock gets confused. This clock is used to the time at home, but suddenly it's a different time where you land! Some people feel jet lag more strongly than others.

Why Does Jet Lag Happen?

Your body has a special internal clock. It tells you when to sleep and when to be awake. This clock is called your circadian rhythm. When you fly quickly across many time zones, your body's clock is still set to your old location. But the time outside is completely different! This mismatch is what causes jet lag.

Traveling East vs. West

You might feel jet lag more when you travel east. This is because flying east makes your day shorter. Your body's natural cycle is usually a bit longer than 24 hours. So, it's harder for your body to adjust to a shorter day. When you fly west, your day becomes longer, which is often easier for your body to handle.

What Does Jet Lag Feel Like?

Jet lag can make you feel quite tired and out of sorts. The most common feelings are:

• Feeling very tired
• Having trouble sleeping (this is called insomnia)
• Getting a headache
• Feeling a bit sad or down (this is a mild form of depression)
• Sometimes, feeling sick to your stomach (this is called nausea)

How to Cope with Jet Lag

There are a few things you can do to help your body adjust to a new time zone:

Before You Travel

• Try to slowly change your sleep schedule a few days before your trip. If you're going east, try going to bed a bit earlier each night. If you're going west, try staying up a bit later.
• Make sure you get enough rest before you fly.

During Your Trip

• Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help you feel better.
• Try to avoid too much caffeine (like in coffee or tea) or sugary drinks.
• If it's daytime at your destination, try to stay awake on the plane. If it's nighttime, try to sleep.

After You Arrive

• Try to get into the new time zone's rhythm right away. Eat meals at the local times.
• Spend time in natural sunlight during the day. This helps tell your body it's daytime.
• If you need a little help sleeping, some people use a natural hormone called melatonin. It can help signal to your body that it's time to sleep. Always talk to a trusted adult or doctor before taking any supplements.
• For a quick boost, a small amount of caffeine might help you stay awake during the day. If you're traveling west, caffeine in the morning can be useful. If you're traveling east, a little in the afternoon might help.

Jet lag usually gets better after a few days as your body adjusts to the new time.

Images for kids

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  A robot thinking about time zones.