Traveling West vs. East: Effects on Jet Lag Definition, Types, Examples & Uses

Traveling West vs. East: Effects on Jet Lag

Subject: Static GK (General Knowledge)

Book: General Time Knowledge

Flying west generally extends your day, making it slightly easier for some travelers to adapt, while heading east shortens the day, often intensifying fatigue. This asymmetry arises because our internal clock tends to run slightly longer than 24 hours. Medical experts advise shifting wake and sleep times gradually and leveraging light exposure for alignment. Frequent flyers plan business trips accordingly, allowing downtime upon arrival. Understanding the east-west difference in jet lag helps travelers prepare better and recover faster, enhancing the overall journey.