Question: What is
the difference between Jet-lag and Shift-lag?
Answer: Jet-lag is
the transient sleep-related symptoms experienced when
travelling across different time zones, whereas shift-lag
is the cumulative effect of persistent disruption to
circadian rhythms caused by working rotating shifts.
A recent study of Olympic gymnasts
travelling across several time zones showed that even
11 days after flying they were still experiencing
disruption to their blood pressure and heart rate
patterns, and changes in blood concentrations of the
stress hormone cortisol and melatonin - a hormone
important for sleep - a fortnight afterwards.
Remember that the next time you go abroad !
Question: What is melatonin?
Answer: Melatonin is a hormone which is
released by the pineal gland in the brain and is thought to help
regulate the circadian rhythms and the sleep wake cycle. Melatonin
production normally peaks during the night. Sunlight inhibits
production.
Studies have shown that in permanent night shift
workers the production of melatonin can be so affected that it
disrupts the body clock and causes sleeping problems. In such cases
studies have shown Melatonin taken in supplement form to be of
benefit.
Those working rotating shifts, however, do not
suffer the same disruption in melatonin production and do not appear
to benefit from this treatment.
Melatonin should never be taken without first
consulting your doctor.