Jet Lag and Insomnia
Medically reviewed by Dr Aifric Boylan — FRACGP · AHPRA-registered · 28 Jul 2026
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About Jet Lag
- Jet lag occurs when you cross time-zones during long-haul travel
- It happens because your body’s natural rhythm of sleep and waking is disturbed.
- Not everybody gets jet lag.
- Symptoms of jet lag include:wakefulness at night, daytime tiredness, impaired concentration, irritability and mood disturbance.
How online jet lag treatment works
Qoctor can assess jet lag and sleep disturbance during a video consultation with an AHPRA-registered doctor. Your doctor will discuss your travel plans, symptoms, health history and whether online treatment is suitable.
Seek medical advice for severe or persistent sleep problems, or symptoms that may indicate another condition.
FAQs
Jet lag refers to symptoms arising from crossing several time zones, particularly following rapid travel.
Common symptoms of jet lag include:
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Difficulty staying awake
- Sleeping excessively
- Disturbed sleep
- Poor concentration
- Reduced coordination
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Altered bowel habit (constipation or loose stools)- may be related to change in meal times or reduced fluid intake on flights
Common symptoms of jet lag include:
- Feeling tired or exhausted
- Difficulty staying awake
- Sleeping excessively
- Disturbed sleep
- Poor concentration
- Reduced coordination
- Irritability
- Changes in appetite
- Altered bowel habit (constipation or loose stools)- may be related to change in meal times or reduced fluid intake on flights
The circadian rhythm is the normal cycle of being awake during the day and sleeping at night and generally dictated by the cycle of daylight and darkness. When we travel, the differences in time at our destination cause a disturbance of our normal circadian rhythm.
Melatonin is produced naturally in the body- it is a hormone made by a part of the brain called the pineal gland. Basically, it is “nature’s sandman”- telling the brain and body that it’s time to go to sleep. Darkness triggers a natural release of Melatonin into the bloodstream, while daylight reduces Melatonin levels.
When we travel across different time zones, it may take a period of time for our Melatonin production to adjust and help correct our sleep cycle,
Travelling across multiple time zones and travelling east to west tends to increase the effects of jet lag.
Once your body eventually adapts to the time at your destination, the Jet Lag symptoms usually subside but this may take a few days.
There are some tips that may help reduce the effects of jet lag:
- Adapting your schedule to the new time zone is critical- e.g. not sleeping until it is reasonably close to your usual bedtime in the new time zone
- Adapting your sleep schedule prior to travel may help i.e. sleeping towards your destination time zone times
- Try not to oversleep- set alarms accordingly to prevent this
- Exposure to daytime in your destination can help to reset your internal body clock
- Limit your caffeine and alcohol intake during travel
- Staying well hydrated
- Medication- subject to your doctor’s advice
Jet lag information and guides
Learn more about jet lag, sleep disruption, recovery and practical travel strategies.
Medically reviewed by Dr Aifric Boylan
Co-founder, CEO & Medical Director of Qoctor — doctor-owned telehealth since 2016.
Every Qoctor prescription is considered only after a real-time video or phone consultation with an AHPRA-registered Australian doctor — never from an automated online form. Treatment is provided in line with the Medical Board of Australia’s telehealth guidelines.
Telehealth is not suitable in all medical situations — patients will be advised if an in-person assessment is needed. In an emergency, call 000.