Jet Lag + Melatonin

Visiting Niseko will always be my return to sleep in these beautiful tents. So warm and cozy inside, and always the best surprise to see what view of Mt. Yōtei nature has provided when I unzip the door.

photo by Seth Brouwers

I tend to be a bit of a minimalist when it comes to traveling with supplements but when traveling across several time zones, melatonin is one of my must haves.

Melatonin is a hormone released by the pineal gland and is largely responsible for biological timing. It is secreted at night to help prepare the body for sleep.

Exogenous or supplemental melatonin has acute sleep-inducing effect making it one of the primary jet lag treatments. Studies show melatonin aids sleep during times when you wouldn't normally wouldn't be resting.

This is a hack to reset the circadian rhythm (see my previous post for more details) and minimize jet lag.

Timing is important. Take melatonin close to your target bedtime, approximately 30 minutes before going to sleep, to decrease jet lag.

By aiding the body to adjust to new sleep cycles, sleep quality and quantity is improved, allowing for rest, healing, and optimal immune function. Therefore, preventing post travel infections.

Questions about your sleep? Travel a lot and suffer from jet lag and want to learn more? Feel free to reach out with questions or book an appointment with me if you’re in Toronto.

Dr. Cristina Allen ND
Naturopathic Doctor