When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Jet lag and sleep phase disorders

Last reviewed: 6 Oct 2024
Last updated: 21 May 2024

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • history of jet travel across at least 2 time zones
  • difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep
  • reduction of total sleep time
  • daytime sleepiness
  • reduced daytime alertness
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • nausea, abdominal distension, constipation
  • general malaise
  • muscle cramps
Full details

Risk factors

  • multiple time zones crossed and rapidity of travel
  • sleep deprivation
  • individual susceptibility to time zone shifts
  • excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption
  • stress
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • no initial test
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

short stay in the new time zone (≤2 days)

long stay in new time zone (>2 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
    • Short-term insomnia disorder
    • Chronic insomnia disorder
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • International classification of sleep disorders, 3rd edition, text revision (ICSD-3-TR)
    • CDC Yellow Book: health information for international travel - jet lag
    More Guidelines
  • Patient information

    Jet lag

    More Patient information
  • padlock-lockedLog in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer