Last reviewed: 1 Sep 2023
Last updated: 11 Jul 2023
Summary
Definition
History and exam
Key diagnostic factors
- history of travel across at least 2 time zones
- difficulty initiating sleep
- difficulty maintaining sleep
- daytime sleepiness
- reduced daytime alertness
More key diagnostic factors
Other diagnostic factors
- nausea, abdominal distension, constipation
- general malaise
- muscle cramps
Other diagnostic factors
Risk factors
- multiple time zones crossed and rapidity of travel
- sleep deprivation
- individual susceptibility to time zone shifts
- excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
- stress
More risk factors
Diagnostic investigations
1st investigations to order
- no initial test
More 1st investigations to order
Investigations to consider
- polysomnography
- actigraphy
- sleep diary
More investigations to consider
Treatment algorithm
ACUTE
short stay in the new time zone (≤3 days)
long stay in new time zone (>3 days)
Contributors
Authors
Ashish Adlakha, MD
Assistant Clinical Professor
Neurology and Sleep Medicine
UConn School of Medicine
VA Connecticut Healthcare
West Haven
CT
Disclosures
AA declares that he has no competing interests.
Acknowledgements
Dr Ashish Adlakha would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Sudhansu Chokroverty, a previous contributor to this topic.
Disclosures
SC declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
David N. Neubauer, MD
Associate Director
Johns Hopkins Sleep Disorders Center
Baltimore
MD
Disclosures
DNN has received consulting fees and honoraria for speaking programs from Sanofi-Aventis and Takeda Pharmaceuticals. These companies manufacture medications mentioned in this topic.
Differentials
- Travel-related fatigue
- Psychophysiologic insomnia
- Behavioral insomnia of childhood
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- CDC Yellow Book: health information for international travel - jet lag
- Nutrition for travel
More GuidelinesPatient leaflets
Jet lag
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