The detrimental effects of jet lag are becoming a problem for businesses, entrepreneurs and individual business travellers. For businesses with mobile workforces jet lag’s impact includes reduced productivity, increased healthcare costs and premiumsm and absenteeism.

The challenge

Jet lag is thought to cost the world economy billions of pounds each year. Carlson Wagonlit, a specialist in business travel management has calculated the gravity of the problem. Their Travel Stress Index (TSi) metric estimates 6.9 hours are lost per business trip, which equals to a cost of $662 per trip.

At a time when globalisation and technology make the world more competitive for business, these costs are too high. It's hard to fly halfway around the world and perform at your best if you are jet lagged and stressed.

As a drain on productivity, jet lag has to be tackled for the sake of the business’ bottom line. Productivity is at a premium and highly productive and creative teams outshine their competition. Companies with mobile workforces must guard against the drain on productivity caused by jet lag and frequent business travel.

Jet lag has consequences for the healthcare costs of a business due to the fatigue and stress of travel. Itcan lead to an increased number of insurance claims and rising premiums because of increased claimants. Absenteeism puts pressure on the business and presenteeism exhausts those left to cover.

The impact of jet lag on frequent flyers

Reduced mental capacity and communication skills, lower levels of concentration, decreased engagement and lower levels of tolerance were found to be present in research subjects tested under clinical conditions.

These go hand in hand with severe chronic symptoms like persistent sleep deprivation, increased exposure to cosmic radiation, adrenal fatigue, vascular remodeling and dehydration.

Persistent sleep deprivation

Sleep deprivation lowers immunity. Persistent sleep deprivation can cause increased blood pressure, increased stress hormones and a higher risk of diabetes.

Sleep can be elusive in busines travel

Cosmic radiation

We are increasingly burdened with cumulative doses of ionizing and non ionizing radiation. Aviation workers (airline crew) are classed as radiation workers, so intensive frequent flyers who fly as much as airline crew should also examine their risk and take preventative measures.

Adrenal fatigue

Frequent flying is a drain on your reserve energy. The more you drain this reserve and are unable to replenish it, the closer you move towards energy bankruptcy. This increases the risk of more severe health issues and people find themselves in a vicious cycle that is hard to break unless you take time off work to address it. Creating a peaceful retreat at home is essential for recovery. Consider spending quality time near natural elements, such as the IV at home in Riverside, to restore your energy levels and promote overall well-being."

Vascular remodeling

Frequent flyers are always hopping on and off planes. The pressurisation and depressurisation that occurs on each takeoff and landing can cause a thickening of the pulmonary blood vessels (known as vascular remodeling) that contributes to increased blood pressure in the lungs and can eventually lead to congestive heart failure.

Dehydration

Dehydration impairs performance and leaves travellers feeling listless and demotivated. Many of us don’t think of rehydrating properly until it’s too late because of their business schedules.

Tips for beating jet lag

Invest in quality sleep

Blocking out time for sleep is important for flyers. Napping, quality eye masks, noise-cancelling headphones and brainwave apps can help.

Chelation supplements

A natural approach to protecting yourself from cosmic radiation is to use supplements that chelate radiation toxins and take them out of the body. Otherwise investigate dosimetry services.

Adaptogens for immunity

Adaptogens give you something extra and help build immunity and resilience with accruing benefits the more you use them.

Stay hydrated

Make hydration a regular part of your healthy life style as a business flyer. Invest in a water bottle with a filter so good quality water is always at hand.