Muscat – What do you know about jet lag? What are its symptoms? How do you prevent or reduce infection before and during travel?
The Ministry answers these and other questions in the following guide:
What is jet lag?
Jet lag is a common sleep disorder that occurs when your internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is out of sync with the day-night cycle of your new time zone due to sudden travel across different time zones. This misalignment can lead to a range of symptoms that affect both physical and mental well-being.
Symptoms of jet lag:

• Difficulty falling asleep or waking up
• Feeling sleepy during the day
• Impaired thinking or problems with attention or memory
• Physical fatigue, impacting performance, especially in athletes
• Digestive system disorders
• Mood disturbances, such as irritability or nervousness
  Prevention and reduction:
  The Ministry of Health offers these tips to help you adjust to a new time zone and minimize jet lag:
• If possible, try to arrive at your destination at least two days before important events to allow your body time to adjust.
• Depending on your travel direction (east or west), begin shifting your sleep schedule by one or two hours a few days before your trip.
• During the day, expose yourself to bright natural light at your destination to help regulate your circadian rhythm.
• Drink plenty of water throughout your flight and during your stay to avoid dehydration, which can worsen jet lag symptoms.
• Opt for smaller, frequent meals to avoid digestive discomfort.
• Regular exercise can help you stay alert during the day. However, avoid strenuous activity close to bedtime.
• If daytime sleepiness is overwhelming, take a short nap (no more than 20 minutes) to avoid interfering with nighttime sleep.
• If jet lag persists or significantly impacts your trip, consult your doctor for advice on sleep aids suitable for your needs.