Jet lag is a temporary disruption to your body's internal clock that can occur when travelling rapidly across multiple time zones. It is most common after long-haul flights and can affect sleep, energy levels, concentration and overall wellbeing during the first few days of a trip. Common symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking at unusual times, daytime tiredness, poor concentration and changes in appetite.

Jet lag tends to be more noticeable when travelling east and becomes more likely as the number of time zones crossed increases. Although symptoms usually improve as your body adjusts to the local time zone, some travellers may benefit from additional support to help regulate their sleep-wake cycle.

At My Private Pharmacist, our jet lag service provides access to suitable treatment options following a clinical assessment. Depending on your travel plans, symptoms and medical history, treatment may be considered to help support sleep and adjustment to a new time zone. All treatment requests are reviewed by our UK prescribing and pharmacy team before supply.

In addition to treatment, practical measures such as adjusting your sleep schedule before travel, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol, managing light exposure and adopting local sleep times as quickly as possible may help reduce the effects of jet lag.