Jet Lag and Shift Work

Jet lag is an endocrine, namely hormonal, reaction of the body to a rapid change in time zones. The human body is designed in such a way that it adheres to a certain rhythm which remains more or less the same every day. Melatonin and serotonin play an important role thereby. The "sleep hormone" melatonin is released mainly at night and helps on the one hand with a good night's sleep, but on the other hand plays an important part as a regulator of rhythm. Its counterpart is serotonin, which is highly dependent on light and is released mainly during the day. Serotonin is mainly responsible for our wellbeing and eating habits.

In the event of jet lag or even shift work, this rhythm becomes distorted and among other things the aging process is accelerated as a result, accompanied by a weakened immune system, chronic states of exhaustion and weight gain in the form of abdominal fat. Added to this is a clear rise in the stress hormone cortisol. The considerable reduction in life expectancy in shift workers, with a chronic imbalance in the melatonin-serotonin rhythm, has long been proven medically.

Furthermore, melatonin deficiency can also cause menstrual disorders in women, since it reduces the production of the important mediators LH and FSH in the brain.

It is therefore important to slowly adjust one's sleeping pattern prior to taking long-haul flights. If possible, no sleeping pills should be taken at night!

The administration of melatonin has been shown to alleviate the effects of jet lag. Preparations which release their active substance slowly over a certain period of time have shown the best effects. Depending on the individual serotonin levels, the intake of a specific natural amino acid (5-hydroxytryptophan) may also be helpful.