Jet Lag Advice in Hampstead
Crossing time zones? Plan your sleep as well as your suitcase.
Long-haul journeys can leave you awake at the wrong time and tired when you want to make the most of your trip. Discuss your travel plans with Hampstead Travel Clinic and find out what advice may be suitable for you.
28 Englands Lane, London NW3 4UE · 020 7722 1095
Inside Allchin Pharmacy. Call to confirm service availability and suitability.
Sleep, time zones and a little forward planning.
What is jet lag?
Jet lag happens when your sleep–wake rhythm is out of step with local time after travelling across time zones. You may struggle to sleep at night, feel sleepy during the day or find it harder to concentrate. Appetite and digestion can also be affected.
It usually settles as your body adjusts. A short business trip and a longer holiday may need different approaches, so it helps to consider the whole itinerary, including your return journey.
Practical ways to help your body adjust
Rest before departure and consider gradually moving your bedtime towards your destination’s schedule.
During the flight, drink water and try to rest when it is night at your destination.
Limit alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can disrupt sleep.
After arrival, build a routine around local time and spend time outside during daylight.
Allow some recovery time before demanding activities. If you feel drowsy, do not drive or use machinery.
Discussing jet lag with the clinic
Tell the team where you are going, when you land and how long you will stay. Have a list of medicines and supplements ready, including any products you already use for sleep. Mention pregnancy, breastfeeding, health conditions and previous reactions to medicines.
Medicines are not usually necessary for jet lag. If a medicine is being considered, a qualified clinician needs to assess whether it is appropriate and explain its risks and correct timing. Do not use someone else’s prescription or combine products that make you sleepy without professional advice.
Contact the clinic before travelling to confirm the service available, eligibility and any charges. An enquiry does not guarantee that a particular treatment will be supplied.
Jet lag questions
Can I prevent jet lag completely?
No approach guarantees that you will avoid it. Planning your rest and daily routine may make the adjustment easier.
Does the direction of travel matter?
Yes. Your route, the number of time zones and your local arrival time can influence a sleep plan. Bring your actual flight itinerary rather than just the destination name.
Should I buy a sleep product before asking for advice?
Speak to a pharmacist first, particularly if you use other medicines. Suitability and interactions matter, and more is not necessarily better.
What if sleep problems continue after my trip?
Contact your GP if sleep difficulties persist or affect your day-to-day life. Symptoms should not automatically be attributed to jet lag.
Let’s talk about your plans.
Contact Hampstead Travel Clinic inside Allchin Pharmacy. Let the team know which service you are interested in so they can advise on the appropriate appointment.
Also preparing for travel? Explore our travel vaccination services and malaria advice.
