Synchronize the internal clock

By air, it goes in a few hours over many time zones
Some swear by melatonin, Viagra or sunbathing to jet lag. FOCUS Online
explains why a time shift causes problems and what can help it.

A jet lag occurs when one has time to shift the body is not adjusted
to the new day-and night-time symptoms and therefore occur. The signs
include headache, fatigue, stomach problems, irritability. "Typical
symptoms of jet lag are marked insomnia," says travel and flight
surgeon Erich Kroeger.

The phenomenon is particularly evident after a period of transition,
about the time in spring or summer, back to the normal time in the
fall. Or it occurs after long-distance journeys, which lead to a
different time zone. In the second case, it takes each time zone with
a one hour time difference is about half a day, until the organism has
become accustomed to the other time, run internal and external clock
synchronization again, says the expert. After a journey from Berlin to
New York (six hour time difference) of jet lag lasts about three days.

Clock daylight

Scientifically explained the reason for it in a rice grain-sized cell
structure in the brain, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN),
located in the area behind the nose. As the SCN circadian clock
regulates many genes through different processes in the organism -
including body temperature, blood pressure, hunger, thirst, brain and
muscle power. In addition, the SCN sends certain signals to the pineal
gland, which secretes then depending on time of day or sleep-wake
hormones. The decisive factor is light. A change in the usual rhythm,
it is so unusual as to light or dark period, the body's clock begins
to stumble.

Expert advice: Prof. Dr. med Erich Kroeger, travel and flight surgeon,
director of the Center for Travel Medicine

Treatment: The body clock adjust quickly

So sleep and digestive disorders, poor concentration and mood swings
are not too pronounced and the jet lag as short as possible failure:
Take advantage of the sunlight as pacesetter for the circadian clock.
Direct sunlight is not necessary. It is enough if you are outdoors
during the day as long as possible.
Try to live at the destination immediately after the new daily rhythm.
Go to there usual time to sleep or are on you.
Natural sleep aids such as valerian, hops and lemon balm help falling asleep.
To be alert to offers of caffeine. He brings the circulation going and
can slow the release of the sleep hormone melatonin. "However, one
should not drink much of it exaggerated," warns expert Erich Kroeger.