New Study Reveals Even The Smallest Jet Lag Can Affect Your Digestion, Metabolism & Sleep Patterns

A recent study highlighted how jet lag can affect our sleep schedule, metabolism, and daily lifestyle patterns. 

by Shreya Ghosh
New Study Reveals Even The Smallest Jet Lag Can Affect Your Digestion, Metabolism & Sleep Patterns

Travelling on flights, crossing countries, and enjoying picturesque views is a wonderful experience. With a list of pros comes a few cons as well. In this list of inconveniences, the most uncomfortable experience is jet lag. The continuous unwell and uneasy feeling seems intolerable at times and jet lag can horribly affect travellers’ travel plans too. A recently published study highlights its impacts on our health and lifestyle.

How Does Jet Lag Affect Digestion, Metabolism, And Sleep?

Jet Lag Affect
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Jet lag happens while travelling in different time zones and covering long-haul journeys. Our bodies get tired of sitting in the same place for hours while travelling on flights and the travel diaries surely get impacted due to the shift in time zones. A recent study published by Jonathan Johnston, University of Surrey, highlighted how the smallest changes in time and jet lag can affect our sleep schedule, metabolism, and daily lifestyle patterns.

If you think that time zone shifts can only disrupt your sleep routine, this new study is here to reveal all other negative aspects of jet lag on human beings. From disrupting internal metabolism to causing digestion problems and daytime fatigue, the effects can get quite serious at times.

Jet Lag Affect
Picture credit- Canva

Jonathan Johnston’s study was surveyed on 14 participants. 8 men and 6 women participated in it. According to the study process, the researcher asked them to change their usual routine and shift it by five hours. During this entire process, the concerned team observed every change in the participants’ sleep patterns, meal durations, time taken to process food, blood sugar fluctuations, changes in fat levels, energy used, exposure to light, and overall metabolism aspect.

Also read: Qantas Reveals 2 Food Items That Significantly Reduce Jet Lag. Say Hello To Travel, Goodbye To Jet Lag!

What Is The Impact On Health?

Jet Lag Affect
Picture credit- Canva

The results of the study are quite shocking. We are surprised to know how a shift in five hours, resembling jet lag, can affect our lifestyle to such an extent. Some of the key observations are:

  • Metabolism shift was noticed in participants.
  • Their digestion process slowed down.
  • Blood sugar levels were recorded to alter following the shift in time.
  • Less heat was generated from food.

In addition, this study showcased participants were able to adjust to the new routine in about 48 to 72 hours. It indicated that people need a few days to get accustomed to new time zones.

Also read: Sara Ali Khan Says Jet Lag Is Real After She Reaches USA

Do you feel sick due to jet lag?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva

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First Published: November 22, 2024 1:41 PM