Ever struggled with jet lag? On January 17, we celebrate National Lose the Jet Lag Day. As we start making travel plans for the year ahead, it’s the perfect day to learn more about jet lag science and how to “timeshift” to adjust more quickly to new time zones so you can experience more fulfilling and productive travel.
History of National Lose the Jet Lag Day
Jet lag is caused when the sleep-wake and light-dark cycle shifts too quickly for the circadian clock in your brain to keep up, disrupting almost all biological systems in your body, and often making the start and end of any trip feel exhausting.
On National Lose the Jet Lag Day, we acknowledge jet lag’s significant human and financial costs – from poor concentration and reduced productivity to less enjoyment and weakened immune function. The key to beating jet lag the scientific way is to properly time light exposure and light avoidance, which are the most important time cues for resetting the circadian clock.
Let’s learn how to avoid jet lag to make this an even more exciting and productive year of travel!
National Lose the Jet Lag Day timeline
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publishes its first study on Jet Lag, 14 years after jet passenger service is born.
The term "jet lag" is first used in a Los Angeles Times article on February 13,.
The Nobel Assembly at Karolinska Institute awards the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine jointly to Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash, and Michael W. Young for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm.
According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), 448 million long-haul passengers are affected in 2018, and according to a survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveler, 93% of long-haul travelers struggle with jet lag.
The United Family of Cards from Chase sponsors National Lose the Jet Lag Day and the first celebration takes place. Want to be a sponsor: learn how.
National Lose the Jet Lag Day FAQ
What is the best way to tackle the underlying cause of jet lag?
Use the Timeshifter app to create personalized jet lag plans based on your sleep pattern, chronotype, itinerary, and personal preferences. The app was developed with world-renowned scientists based on the latest research in sleep and circadian neuroscience. Based on more than 60,000 post-flight surveys, travelers who followed Timeshifter’s advice versus travelers who didn’t follow their Timeshifter plan were 16 times less likely to report very severe jet lag.
How to Celebrate National Lose the Jet Lag Day
Learn more about jet lag
Deepen your understanding of jet lag and its effects on the body. Knowledge is power and understanding how to beat jet lag can make your future travels that much better.
Share your knowledge
Tell your friends and family all you've learned about jet lag and how to combat it. Share your personal experience on social by highlighting techniques that have worked for you.
Book your next adventure
Why not take this day as an opportunity to book your next trip? It's a great way to put all you've learned about fighting jet lag into practice.
5 Facts About Jet Lag
Jet lag symptoms
There are several symptoms of jet lag, including: fatigue, sleepiness, digestive upsets, impaired judgment and decision-making, memory lapses, irritability, apathy, and weekend immune function. These symptoms often result in reduced productivity, compromised safety, and less enjoyment.
Flying East or West Makes a difference
Whether you travel east or west depends on your chronotype: night owls (75% of people) find it easier to travel west as they delay their circadian clock, while early birds (25%) find it easier to travel east as they advance their clock.
Controversial use of medications
Sleep meds might knock you out on the flight, or help you fall asleep faster in the hotel, but they don’t shift the circadian clock and could lead you to miss seeing light at the right time, which is the real scientific solution to tackling the underlying cause of jet lag.
Timed light exposure
Surprising to many, light is the most important time cue for resetting your circadian clock and managing when to see light and when to avoid light is critical to adapting to new time zones quickly.
Drink water
Long-distance travel can cause dehydration and proper hydration can help manage jet lag symptoms and travel fatigue.
Why We Love National Lose the Jet Lag Day
Make a plan
Create a jet lag plan based on your sleep pattern, chronotype, itinerary, and personal preferences for caffeine and melatonin use. This will significantly help to fight the jet lag.
Manage light exposure
The right light exposure at the right time can significantly accelerate your adaptation. Seeing light at the wrong time will make your jet lag worse.
Selective caffeination
Using caffeine “little and often,” and then stopping after lunch, will optimize the benefits and minimize the negative effects on sleep.
National Lose the Jet Lag Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | January 17 | Saturday |
| 2027 | January 17 | Sunday |
| 2028 | January 17 | Monday |
| 2029 | January 17 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | January 17 | Thursday |
