Citation

Coste O, Lagarde D. Travel Med. Infect. Dis. 2009; 7(2): 82-87.

Affiliation

Institut de Médecine Navale du Service de Santé des Armées, BP610, 83800 Toulon Armées, France.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.tmaid.2008.08.004

PMID

19237141

Abstract

Jet lag, which appears after a long lasting transmeridian flight, is generally considered as a consequence of a desynchronization of circadian rhythms. After a recall of the circadian physiology, a modern view of the physiopathology is proposed. The major idea that emerges from these data is that only the wake-sleep rhythm may adapt itself quickly during jet lag and therefore it constitutes a good therapeutic target for physicians. We focus on the modalities of a light pharmacological aid to counteract jet lag. This punctual aid should help passengers to restore an adapted wake-sleep rhythm as quickly as possible. From this point of view, hypnotics may constitute a good indication. Finally, we suggest that the use of psychostimulants could also be interesting in very exceptional circumstances.

Language: en