Jet Lag Symptoms Checker — Find Relief Fast

Jet lag typically lasts 1-2 days per time zone crossed. Eastward travel is harder to recover from than westward because your body finds it easier to stay up later than go to sleep earlier. Factors like age, sleep quality, and strategic light exposure all affect recovery time. Use our jet lag calculator for a personalized estimate based on your specific flight.

The most common jet lag symptoms include extreme fatigue, insomnia or disrupted sleep, difficulty concentrating (brain fog), digestive issues like nausea or loss of appetite, mood changes, and daytime sleepiness. Symptoms tend to be worse when crossing more time zones and when traveling eastward. Check your severity with our symptoms checker.

Yes, research shows that low-dose melatonin (0.5-1mg) taken 30 minutes before your target bedtime can significantly help reset your circadian rhythm. It's most effective when crossing 5 or more time zones. The timing of when you take melatonin matters more than the dose — taking it at the right time relative to your destination's time zone is key.

Flying east requires advancing your body clock (going to sleep earlier), which is harder because the human circadian rhythm naturally runs slightly longer than 24 hours — roughly 24.2 hours. This means your body naturally prefers to delay sleep rather than advance it. Learn more about flying east vs west and how direction affects your recovery.

The most effective prevention strategies include gradually shifting your sleep schedule 2-3 days before departure (30-60 minutes per day toward your destination time), getting strategic light exposure at specific times, staying well hydrated, avoiding alcohol on the flight, and eating meals at your destination's meal times. The WellRest app creates a personalized pre-flight adjustment plan for your specific route.