| Jet lag occurs when we travel long distances by plane. Our sleep rhythms are thrown out of balance because we are moving into very different time zones so quickly. The further we travel, the stronger the effect is. Our sleep patterns are deeply affected by sunlight. The light that strikes our eyes sends information to our brains. This data tells us we need to be awake or asleep. If sunlight changes drastically, for example, when we take a twelve-hour flight to a faraway place, it can take days to adjust. The science behind this phenomenon tells us that we should regulate our exposure to sunlight when we travel. An app exists that can be added to a smartphone. It tells you when you need darkness, and when you need light. It can greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to correct jet lag. |