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Want to know why traveling eastward is more difficult to adapt to than traveling westward? What's the physiological secret behind this?
When people travel across multiple time zones, their biological clocks often become out of sync, a phenomenon known as jet lag. Interestingly, though, studies show that traveling from east to west appears to cause less adaptation for most people than traveling from west to east. What is the physiological secret behind this?
The definition and causes of jet lag
Jet lag is a temporary physiological condition that occurs when a person's biological clock becomes out of sync with the time zone in which they are located. This phenomenon is common when traveling quickly across multiple time zones, such as flying from New York to London. When traveling from west to east, the body undergoes a physiological "forward adjustment," compared to a "delayed adjustment" when traveling west.
Especially when the time difference spans three time zones or more, the jet lag symptoms experienced by an individual may last for several days, and it usually takes one time zone per day to readjust the biological rhythm.
Adaptation differences between eastbound and westbound travel
According to the study, most people find it more difficult to adjust to travelling from the east. Behind this situation lies the complexity of biological rhythms. Eastbound travel is physiologically challenging because it forces the body to adjust its biological clock earlier, a process that is generally more difficult than later (westbound travel).
Analysis of physiological mechanism
The human biological clock is affected by multiple factors, including light, diet and hormones. When people fly during the day and arrive at their destination, their body clocks are still unable to adapt to the new lighting conditions immediately, which in turn affects many body functions, such as sleep, appetite and mood.
Some experts say it can take time for the body to fully adjust to the new rhythm, leading to fatigue and confusion among travelers.
Symptoms of jet lag
The symptoms of jet lag vary, including difficulty sleeping, decreased cognitive function, and mood swings. When people travel eastward, they often experience difficulty falling asleep and early awakenings, reflecting the challenges that arise when the body clock is reset.
Coping strategies
For jet lag symptoms caused by eastward travel, experts recommend adjusting your daily routine early and increasing light exposure to help reset your biological clock. For some travelers, appropriate melatonin supplementation may help speed up their acclimatization.
Mental Health Impact
Beyond the physical effects, jet lag poses a potential threat to mental health. Particularly for individuals with mental health issues, travel across multiple time zones may carry a higher risk. The study found that individuals who crossed seven time zones in a week had a significantly higher chance of recurring psychological problems compared to those who only crossed three time zones.
ConclusionWhether it's hopping between time zones or facing physical and mental challenges, travel affects everyone in their own way. Why is it so difficult for our biological clocks to adjust to new time zones, and how can we prepare for every journey?
