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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/wt-jet-lag

What causes jet lag?

Jet lag is a mismatch between your body clock and local time.

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  1. A mismatch between your body clock and destination time ✔
  2. Motion sickness from turbulence
  3. Low cabin oxygen

Why: Flying fast across time zones leaves your internal body clock out of step with local time. That can cause poor sleep, daytime sleepiness and an upset stomach.

Huh, didn't know that: Doctors diagnose jet lag disorder after travel across at least two time zones.

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My body clock is still on island time, which is fine until the meeting is on Monday time.
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References

Answer: A mismatch between your body clock and destination time. Flying fast across time zones leaves your internal body clock out of step with local time. That can cause poor sleep, daytime sleepiness and an upset stomach.

  1. Jet Lag Disorder (CDC Yellow Book) www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-air-sea/jet-lag-disorder.html
    jet lag, a sleep disorder caused by rapid travel across time zones
    Checked 2026-10-12.

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TravelWhat over-the-counter supplement may help some travelers manage jet lag?TravelWhich direction of travel usually makes jet lag harder to adjust to?TravelWhat environmental factor is key to resetting your body clock after flying?

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