Does jet lag cause high blood pressure?

If you’re one of those people who willingly fly across time zones because you believe that the world is your playground, your blood pressure may not like it as much as you do. According to some researchers, travelling through time zones can increase your chances of high blood pressure or hypertension.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s look at what jet lag really means and how it affects our bodies.

What Is Jet Lag?

Jet lag happens when we travel long distances quickly (faster than our body’s ability to adjust), causing a temporary sleep disorder known as circadian rhythm disorder (that doesn’t sound fun). Circadian rhythms help control when we feel awake, sleepy or hungry throughout a 24-hour cycle which has been disrupted with this quick jump into another timezone and causes feelings of tiredness during the day and insomnia at night due to the disruption in cortisol levels (That explains all my midnight cravings for pizza). The condition generally lasts until our natural body clock adjusts itself with local timings (We are powerless against this force.)

How Is High Blood Pressure Linked To Jet Lag?

Studies have shown that there might be an association between altered sleep cycles from long-distance air travel and increased risk for hypertension due to jetlag’s influence on circadian physiology ^([1]). It occurs because elevated hormones could cause constriction in arteries increasing strain on them leading eventually affecting heart health negatively.

These short-term spikes add up over many journeys resulting in being more vulnerable towards developing sustained hypertension ^([2])([3]).

This hypothesis requires investigation; Still they wanted everyone to know that whether its diet changes such as junk food while traveling or simple exercise modifications carry along consequences potentially interacting sinisterly with general physiological variations experienced post-jet-lag through hydration fluxes (^([4]))Hold off ordering room service just yet!

Can Drinking Water Help Prevent High Blood Pressure from Jet Lag?

It’s not just the need for caffeine but sitting still at high altitudes and eating plane food can lead to dehydration during air travel (Hint: order water instead of soda to avoid disruptors^) The lack of humidity inside the cabin contributes to creating a parched environment – So keeping up healthy hydration regimes balances one’s body fluid levels aiding in fighting those side effects (Drink away!!).

What Other Health Risks Are Associated With Jet lag?

Besides increased blood pressure, jetlag is also associated with other health risks; such as indigestion, constipation or diarrhea. These ailments are tied to dietary changes on flights that may leave a traveler susceptible post-flight. Also reported were strong feelings of fatigue reduced immunity and reaction times along inability towards focus leaving us irritable whilst listening towards anything before bed ^([3])([5])I’m glad it isn’t just me!

Does Age Makes A Difference When It Comes To Having High Blood Pressure Due To Jethpalmus?

Age doesn’t determine who gets hypertension after flying long distances; however, older adults have a general propensity towards developing high blood pressure related concerns more frequently than younger people due to their bodies’ general wear & tear^ [6]No matter the age they aren’t safe from this multi-dimensional hazard so take precautions accordingly!

To get my fists around what potentially prevents developing these deadly outcomes we must examine potential methods known that combat disruption:

1.Drink More Water:

Hydration struggles against mild dehydration caused by non-humid weather ensures successful combatting against side effects. This helps regulate body temperature keep your skin supple avoiding itching all options leading further discomfort allowing relaxation during snooze time ^([4]). Chug-a-lug!

2.Adjust Your Sleep Schedule Before Departure:

“Look Ma I’m on Australian time!” – Start adjusting the sleep schedule before leaving to experience more nighttime hours than usual or have room in schedules upon arrival, allowing an easier transition eastward rather than taking a full seven days towards your body clock becoming aligned^([7]).

3.Expose yourself to sunlight (or light therapy):

We will want to make sure we get enough exposure as flights usually take place at times our bodies aren’t used too, causing extreme amounts of confusion. Don’t spend excessive amounts of time laying low but outside and get some fresh air combats this issue fighting all jet lag side effects ^([8]), become one with nature!

4.Take Melatonin And Caffeine:

Melatonin is often believed to help adjust natural body rhythms by easing into gradual adjustments through small doses leading up until departure helping one swim upstream for their desired timezone . With caffeine try avoiding it after noon; because simply put nobody wants to keep themselves amped-up when they’re looking forward toward winding down (Caveat: check with a doctor first) ^¶([[9]]).

5.Time The Arrival Time Appropriate To Your Goal:

Try scheduling airplane tickets so arriving during mid-day making it possible quickly acclimate post-arrival seeking local bright lights evident while mitigating challenges overcoming fatigue interference present within productivity levels (^_10)^.

6.Exercise Can Help:

Though traveling may be tiring squeezing in a 30 minute cardio session will reduce lethargy from symptoms avoid negative mindset that comes along with travel fatigue without a proper sense of relief. Ideally suitcases should be left unattended whilst doing laps around airport terminals from back & forth (Don’t mind me I’m jogging here)^.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly flying long distances can seem like both and adventure or dreary chore, But despite physical discomforts incurred there’s no excuse why someone wouldn’t wanna seize opportunities wanderlust-driven hearts crave exploring foreign lands or spending quality time with loved ones. However, we can help prevent high blood pressure from Jet lag through healthy habits such as hydration exercise and overall physiological awareness or contacts to seek immediate professional advice if needed ^([11]). Keep trippin’, but safely!