Jet Lag

Jet Lag

Prevent jet lag symptoms and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and in good shape. Doctor Matt can provide you with a natural hormone tablet on prescription that is used for jet lag treatment.

If you're flying across different time zones the jet lag treatment Doctor Matt provides can help your body clock adjust and overcome jet lag. All you need to do is complete the online medical consultation and we’ll post your medication direct to you before you travel.

The medicine

Melatonin 2mg tablets

How to take it

Take one tablet daily one to two hours before bedtime on arrival at destination. Take the tablet close to the time you want to sleep. Use once each evening until a new sleep pattern is established. Do not use continuously for more than five days.

Effectiveness

Melatonin is licensed in the UK only as a short term treatment for insomnia, but not for jet lag. It is, however, used throughout the world to treat jet lag. Your body will naturally adjust to a new time zone and this medicine simply accelerates this process.

Side-effects

Uncommon but can include nausea, diarrhoea, headache, sore throat, stomach or back pain. If taken during the day it may cause drowsiness and affect driving.

Other things you should know

The world is divided into 24 different time zones. Your body's natural 24-hour clock (circadian rhythm) is disrupted after crossing time zones. Your body clock controls your sleeping and waking pattern. It also affects your:

• hunger
• digestion
• bowel habits
• urine production
• body temperature
• blood pressure

Your body clock is set to your local time so that you feel hungry in the morning and sleepy in the evening. However, if you travel across time zones, your body clock can take a while to adjust to a new daily routine. It is not possible to prevent jet lag but there are things you can do to reduce its effects. For example, make sure you are well hydrated before flying, and drink plenty of fluid (but not alcohol) during the flight. Try to rest during the flight by taking short naps.