Jet Lag

Your body is regulated by light/dark cycles that trigger the rhythmic release of hormones throughout the day. When you cross multiple time zones, you are exposed to light and darkness at uncommon times. As a result, your natural hormonal rhythms may be drastically disrupted, creating symptoms such as daytime fatigue, reduced mental and physical performance, irritability, or general malaise.

Fortunately, jet lag is typically reserved for individuals who have crossed multiple time zones. For practical purposes, travel from North America to the Mexican Caribbean does not place you at much risk unless you are coming from Hawaii, Alaska, or Europe. There is not much that can be done to reduce the symptoms of jet lag and often only time relieves them.

Some recommendations may include:

• Get a lot of sleep and rest in the days before you travel.
• Adapt as quickly as possible to the new time zone by waking and sleeping as others do in that time zone.
• Nap and rest between activities during the first few days after your arrival.
• If you are traveling west (and your day is increased), avoid prolonged periods of sleep. Try to take small naps instead.
• flight, try to get good sleep on the plane.