Jet lag, or dysrhythmia, as it is otherwise known, occurs when over 50 delicate circadian rhythms are disrupted throughout the body after travelling across several time zones. This can leave the traveller feeling wide awake at midnight or groggy in mid afternoon within the new time zone.
Symptoms of Jet Lag
Unchecked, this circadian disorder may linger for two weeks or more, and get worse with age with the following symptoms:
- fatigue
- difficulty in concentration
- low motivation
- cravings for carbohydrates
- depression
- lowered sex drive
- disturbed sleep
Compact SAD Lightboxes for Those on the Go
However, SAD light therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for banishing jet lag, as well as seasonal affective disorder and shift work sleep disorder (SWSD) without the need for pills or special diets. Furthermore, there are many lightboxes on the market that are compact and mobile for those who travel long distances.
Bluewave Technology
But it is the crucial bluewave technology that offers optimum results. Research conducted by Professor Alan Bird, an eye specialist at the Moorfields Eye Hospital showed that special light receptor cells in the back of the retina reacted with blue light, causing the pineal gland to produce less melatonin, a sleep hormone.
Blue Wave Lightboxes
Although lightboxes emitting full spectrum white light are effective in treating circadian rhythm disorders, light bias in the blue spectrum is most effective and requires shorter phototherapy times, and for that reason, lightboxes with bluewave technology are now available.
Apollo Golite P1, Litepod and most recently, the Golite M2 and Golite Blu are lightweight and portable, and most have built-in calculators to provide jet lag remedies for long distance flights. The traveller simply inputs the waking time, date and location of departure, and arrival destination. The calculator then works out a personalised light and dark schedule for the traveller.
Following the schedule is important if the symptoms of jet lag are to be allayed. This entails seeking light at specified times and avoiding light at other times.
Apollo Golite P1, Golite M2 and Golite Blu for Jet Lag Light Therapy
The Golite series offer new innovations providing equal effectiveness to large conventional SAD lightboxes but with the convenience of portability and compactness. Most models have the following features for frequent travellers:
- compact at around 15cm square and 2.5 cm deep
- portable
- rechargeable long lasting lithium ion battery
- can also be used on mains
- uses LED rather than lightbulbs meaning shorter treatment times
- bluewave technology, meaning it emits a specific part of the blue spectrum, proven to suppress the sleep hormone melatonin and stimulating the mood enhancer seratonin, helping the body clock to adjust more speedily
- the Golite Blu uses a diffuser system for more even blue lighting
- energy efficient
- shorter treatment times required than the conventional lightboxes, at only 20 to 30 minutes per day as opposed to one to two hours per day
- adaptors available for international usage
- neoprene carrying case
- all models backed by medical research and safety standards
Never purchase imitations, as the models may not be backed by safety checks.
The Portable Light Box as a Healthy Treatment for Jet Lag
Whichever lightbox the traveller may use, correct usage is crucial for effectiveness. Following the light/dark schedule will improve effectiveness. Special light blocking sunglasses can be worn at specific times to prevent blue light getting onto the retina.
Blue Light Therapy to for Jetlag
Portable lightboxes are ideal for preventing jet lag, and there are many compact, portable models available offering extras such as bluewave technology, rechargeable batteries and schedule calculators. Sticking to a recommended brand such as the Apollo series will increase the likelihood of effective phototherapy for circadian disorders such as jet lag.
Note: Although light therapy is a safe treatment, consultation with a GP or eye specialist is recommended prior to embarking upon light therapy.
Reference:
BBC News “Brain Chemistry Winter Blues Link” (BBC, Sep 2008)
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