Jet Lag Calculator

Estimate jet lag severity from time zone difference and get a light-exposure and sleep-shift schedule to recover faster.

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Select the UTC offset of your departure and arrival cities. The calculator estimates recovery time based on the number of time zones crossed and the direction of travel.

Select different time zones Choose departure and arrival time zones that differ to estimate jet lag severity and recovery time.

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Travel Health

Estimate jet lag severity and get a recovery plan

A jet lag calculator estimates how long your body will take to adjust after crossing time zones and provides a light exposure and sleep schedule to speed recovery. The severity depends on the number of zones crossed, direction of travel, and your personal chronotype.

What causes jet lag

Jet lag occurs when your circadian rhythm — the internal clock governing sleep, hunger, and hormone release — is out of sync with the local time at your destination. The body adjusts at roughly one to one-and-a-half time zones per day, so crossing six zones can mean four to six days of disrupted sleep and energy.

Eastward travel is generally harder because it requires advancing the body clock, which is more difficult than delaying it. Symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, digestive issues, difficulty concentrating, and general malaise.

Strategies for faster recovery

Timed light exposure is the most effective tool. Seek bright light in the morning (destination time) when travelling east, and in the evening when travelling west. Avoid light at the opposite time. Melatonin supplements taken at the destination bedtime can also help shift the clock.

Pre-adjusting your sleep schedule by one to two hours toward destination time in the days before departure reduces the shock on arrival.

Frequently asked questions

How many time zones before jet lag becomes noticeable?

Most people notice jet lag symptoms after crossing three or more time zones. Crossing one or two zones typically causes minimal disruption that resolves within a day.

Does flying north-south cause jet lag?

No. Jet lag is caused by crossing time zones, not by distance travelled. A north-south flight staying in the same time zone will cause travel fatigue but not circadian disruption.

Is jet lag worse flying east or west?

Generally yes, flying east is harder. Eastward travel shortens the day, requiring you to fall asleep earlier than your body expects. Westward travel lengthens the day, which most people find easier to adapt to.

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