Persistent jet lag could be more harmful than previously thought after a study found mice that have their sleep patterns disturbed have a higher mortality rate. Finland’s National Institute of Health and Welfare (THL) found rodents which have their rhythms changed by several hours in a week over a two-month period were more likely to die.
The forced time changes were also linked to renal failure and bone cancer in the mice, which the researchers believe are down to a compromised immune system. They admit, however, that a similar study has not yet been carried out on humans.
The research suggests that as well as upsetting the immune system, jet lag can also disrupt cell renewal and kidney function. The common symptoms of sleeplessness, irritation, disorientation, headaches and fatigue were also recorded.
”Symptoms arise because the body’s internal clock is set at a different time than the local clock—even though the body tries to adjust to local time during the flight. Often long journeys require individuals to stay awake. This exacerbates the symptoms,” said THL physician Timo Partonen in a report by YLE.
Partonen added that health problems can arise if a person’s internal clock is repeatedly disrupted.
Photo: Yle / Derrick Frilund