So, for longer trips, seek out or avoid bright light at specific times, said Dr. Olson.
On long trips to Asia — when day and night are reversed — it is often easier to shift your cycle backward, said Mickey Beyer-Clausen, chief executive of Timeshifter, which makes a jet lag app of the same name.
For example, when flying nonstop from New York to Tokyo, which is 13 hours ahead, think of it as being 11 hours behind (jet lag does not consider the international date line).
Online tools like Jet Lag Rooster and Timeshifter help create a customized schedule based on variables like time zone differences, departure and arrival times, and other factors.
This small dose is best for reducing jet lag, Dr. Olson said, because studies show a larger dose doesn’t necessarily work better and is more likely to produce side effects.
Persons:
Olson, Mickey Beyer, Clausen, Kapur
Organizations:
Food and Drug Administration
Locations:
New York, London, Asia, Tokyo, Japan, York