Common symptoms include tiredness during the day, poor concentration, mood changes, and disturbed sleep. Some people also get headaches, mild stomach issues, or a general “drained” feeling. It’s usually worse when travelling east compared to west, and the more time zones you cross, the stronger the effects tend to be.
Beyond feeling uncomfortable, jet lag can affect performance and thinking. Business travellers may struggle with focus and decision-making, athletes can see drops in performance, and holidaymakers may lose valuable days adjusting. For frequent travellers or shift workers, repeated disruption to the body clock may also have longer-term health impacts.
We at My Pharmacy Stop can supply short-term use melatonin supplements, which may be helpful for sleep support.
Melatonin is a natural hormone produced in the brain during the night that helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm and promote sleep. Exposure to daylight reduces melatonin production, helping keep the body awake and alert during the day.
Supplemental melatonin can assist travellers in adjusting their sleep pattern by encouraging the body to feel ready for rest at times when it would not usually sleep, effectively helping reset the internal body clock.
For best results, it is important that melatonin is taken at the correct time as directed, as timing plays a key role in its effectiveness.