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Home / Jet Lag

What Is Jet Lag?

Jet lag is a temporary condition characterised by disrupted sleep, fatigue, and disorientation. It is caused by travelling through different time zones at a rapid pace.

What causes jet lag?

When you cross multiple time zones, you disrupt your body's circadian rhythm. Often referred to as your internal clock, your circadian rhythm regulates a roughly 24-hour cycle of physical, mental, and behavioural processes. It responds primarily to the pattern of light and darkness in your environment, and affects everything from digestion to blood pressure.

Your circadian rhythm helps to control when you wake up and when you fall asleep. When you travel across time zones, your circadian rhythm can't adjust as quickly as you've travelled. This causes jet lag, as your internal clock is still set to the time zone you came from, not the time zone you're currently in. Until your internal clock adjusts to its new time zone, you may be affected by the symptoms of jet lag.

What are the symptoms of jet lag?

Jet lag's main symptoms are excessive sleepiness, daytime fatigue, and a disturbed sleep pattern. Other symptoms include gastrointestinal problems, disorientation, irritability, dizziness, headaches, and a general unwell feeling.

Symptoms may vary from person to person. They usually last no more than one or two days, but may last longer depending on how far you've travelled, how many time zones you've crossed, and what direction you've flown in. Dehydration, stress, and old age can also increase the likelihood and severity of jet lag.

How can I recover from jet lag?

Jet lag is not a serious condition, but it can make it difficult to adjust to your new destination. Several tips can help to speed up recovery, such as spending time outside in natural light or avoiding sleeping until the correct time, even if you are tired. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol during and immediately after travel can also help, as they may dehydrate the body and affect sleep patterns.

What medication treats jet lag?

Some travellers also find using the medication Melatonin helpful. Melatonin is a natural hormone created by the brain's pineal gland. It helps to signal to your body that it is time to sleep, causing you to feel drowsy. When jet lag disrupts your body clock, it can also disrupt the hormone's production. Our medication makes up for this disruption and regulates your sleep pattern. This allows you to more easily adjust to your new routine after you've travelled.

121doc offers Melatonin which can be safely used for those who travel regularly. Additionally, it has very mild side effects.

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FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
Can I place more than one order at a time?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
How do I know which treatment is best for me?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.

All questions are necessary, and your answers and details will not be shared with any third-parties. Only our doctors have access to your medical information.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

It is a legal and medical requirement that a doctor first reviews all completed consultations. We have a team of in-house doctors and specialists who will ensure your selected treatment is safe for your use. All information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, we do not guarantee that our doctors will approve treatment.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If your chosen treatment is deemed suitable for your use, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription is then forwarded to our pharmacy, where your medication will be dispensed and dispatched for courier delivery.

Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes. All 121doc orders include a medical consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. There are no additional costs. We believe in providing a safe and easy-to-use service.

Can I place more than one order at a time?

Yes. However, certain medications may negatively interact with each other. Our doctors may not approve your order on this basis.

You can place multiple items in one basket, and complete a consultation for all.

If you wish to place a second order for a different medication, you will have to complete a separate consultation.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options:

  • Next-day delivery
  • UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not available, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

None of these options will incur an additional charge.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

To ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company, you should look to see their country’s regulatory bodies verify them.

In the UK, this is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Certificates can be viewed here.

How do I know which treatment is best for me?

Some treatments also offer the 'Advise Me' function. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle and needs, plus medical questions. You will then be presented with the advice of our doctors.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also regularly inspected by various UK regulatory agencies, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.