Clinical management of jet lag: what can be proposed when performance is critical?
Jet lag, which appears after a long lasting transmeridian flight, is generally considered as a consequence of a desynchronization of circadian rhythms. After a recall of the circadian physiology, a modern view of the physiopathology is proposed. The major idea that emerges from these data is that only the wake-sleep rhythm may adapt itself quickly during jet lag and therefore it constitutes a good therapeutic target for physicians. We focus on the modalities of a light pharmacological aid to counteract jet lag. This punctual aid should help passengers to restore an adapted wake-sleep rhythm as quickly as possible. From this point of view, hypnotics may constitute a good indication. Finally, we suggest that the use of psychostimulants could also be interesting in very exceptional circumstances.
Coste
Olivier
O
Institut de Médecine Navale du Service de Santé des Armées, BP610, 83800 Toulon Armées, France.
Lagarde
Didier
D
D000401:Aircraft; D002110:Caffeine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002909:Chronobiology Phenomena; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020179:Jet Lag Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D008550:Melatonin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014195:Travel
D000697:Central Nervous System Stimulants; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D002110:Caffeine; D008550:Melatonin