Jet lag is when your normal sleep pattern is disrupted after a long flight. You might find that you find it difficult to fall asleep and wake up in the morning, and feel tired for a few days during your trip. 

Travelling to another time zone can cause insomnia, irritability, a change in appetite and general tiredness – generally we call this collection of symptoms jet lag.

You might also find you have concentration and memory issues, struggle to stay awake during the day and experience nausea

We can prescribe jet lag treatment, which is used by some people to successfully treat sleep disturbance that comes with jet lag. It contains melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone that regulates your sleep patterns. For some people, it can help them adjust more quickly to a new time zone and sleep at night.

All medicines can have side effects, and they can vary between different people. Some people experience drowsiness with jet lag treatment, feel sick, or experience joint aches, pain or headaches. You can read more about possible side effects in the patient information leaflet. We will only prescribe for you if it safe to do so.

Sleeping through the night can significantly improve the symptoms of jet lag, making you feel awake at the right time. Jet lag treatment helps some people to do this, and enjoy more of their time away. It won't cure or prevent jet lag, but it can help your body adjust more quickly to your destination's time.

Request the treatment and complete a short consultation questionnaire. We will use this information to assess whether jet lag tablets are safe and suitable for you to take. If approved, you can collect your treatment or have it delivered.

Please note, you should never share prescription medicines.

Jet lag usually lasts for a few days. You’ll experience symptoms while your body adjusts to the new timezone. 

For most people, jet lag will pass in a couple of days. It's not medically dangerous, but can be an inconvenience. If you're at your destination a short time, a treatment could help you make the most of it.

Plan to get enough quality sleep in the few days before your trip, whilst trying to move your sleep period forwards or backwards (in line with the time of your destination).  Try to avoid eating large meals, exercising, using electronic gadgets, or drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks before bedtime.

During the flight, aim to drink plenty of water, sleep if it's a normal time for sleeping at your destination, use an eye mask and earplugs if they help you sleep and keep active by stretching and regularly walking around the cabin. Do not drink too much alcohol or caffeine.

When you arrive, try changing your sleep schedule to the new time zone as quickly as possible. Set an alarm to avoid oversleeping in the morning. Go outside during the day – natural light will help your body clock adjust.

If you're going abroad, you should consider what medicines you might need while you're away. That might include contraception, or a prescription treatment you take daily, or something specific to the country. Make sure you check if the area you're going to affected by malaria at Fit For Travel. And if you need any travel vaccinations, visit our partner MASTA.