Patient discussions

The patient should be advised to:

  • Get adequate sleep and rest before initiation of travel

  • Avoid sleep deprivation before initiation of travel

  • Exercise in the new time zone

  • Keep well-hydrated during the flight

  • Avoid sleep in flight unless it is nighttime at the destination

  • Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages during the flight; however, stimulants such as caffeine might be of benefit in alleviating the daytime drowsiness associated with jet lag[5]​

  • Seek or avoid exposure to light, depending on the need to adjust the body's time clock

  • Take exogenous melatonin at bedtime at the new destination; melatonin is indicated for patients experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of jet lag.[6][10]

Online patient information from recommended websites may be useful. National Sleep Foundation: jet lag and sleep Opens in new window

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