Appliance of Science: What is jet lag and can you avoid it when travelling long-distance?

It is the travel season again and many are heading off on holidays. For some, that trip takes them to far flung places and they may experience the downside to travelling across different time zones – the dreaded jet lag. But what exactly is it, can it be avoided or is it destined to knock you off kilter and rob you of a few days of that precious holiday? asks Dr Naomi Lavelle

SIGN OF THE TIMES

Jet lag is a relatively new condition; the term was only coined in the 1960’s when air travel became more popular and jet planes allowed people travel at speeds never before imagined. The technology meant they could travel across time lines within hours, however their bodies took a bit longer to catch up and the term Jet Lag was created to describe the symptoms they felt as a consequence of this jet set lifestyle.