So long to jetlag?

Researchers have been studying sleep patterns for decades. In fact, much of what we know today has been studied since the 1920’s and even earlier, but until quite recently there hasn’t been a solid understanding of why we behave the way we do.

According to Dr. Clifford Saper, MD, MS, PhD, who is Chairman of the Department of Neurology at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, recent research has given us a much better understanding of how eating can effect our biology. On last week’s Science Friday on NPR, Dr. Saper discussed these effects in depth.

What caught my attention is the idea that we have a secondary “clock” that we can, apparently, intentionally reset. By fasting for a period of 12-16 hours and then having “breakfast,” this internal clock will immediately override our natural rhythms. The effect is to reset our wake-sleep cycle, adjusting to a new, food source-oriented schedule. Apparently our bodies have developed this ability so that we can adjust to the demands of our environment. In other words, if our environment provides food at a particular time, our bodies need to adjust… or starve.

So, for example, if you are traveling to Japan you could start your day by not eating from about noon the day before and fast until breakfast time in Japan. Once you arrive, have a hearty breakfast. Of course, this assumes you are arriving in the morning; adjust accordingly to your travel arrangements. By changing how and when we find food in our environment, our body reacts by adjusting… and no more jet lag.

One important detail Dr. Saper points out: You need to eat nutritive food that provides calories to your body. You can’t trick it by consuming zero-calorie diet foods. And, don’t forget to do the same thing in reverse, too, when you come home.