Circadian rhythms, athletic performance, and jet lag

Rapid air travel across several time zones exposes the traveller to a shift in his/her internal biological clock. The result is a transient desynchronisation of the circadian rhythm, called jet lag, lasting until the rhythm is rephased to the new environmental conditions. The most commonly experienc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of sports medicine 1998-06, Vol.32 (2), p.101-106
Main Authors: Manfredini, R, Manfredini, F, Fersini, C, Conconi, F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation, Physiological
Circadian Rhythm - physiology
Humans
Original
Physical Endurance - physiology
Space life sciences
Sports - physiology
Travel
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Summary:Rapid air travel across several time zones exposes the traveller to a shift in his/her internal biological clock. The result is a transient desynchronisation of the circadian rhythm, called jet lag, lasting until the rhythm is rephased to the new environmental conditions. The most commonly experienced symptoms are sleep disorders, difficulties with concentrating, irritability, depression, fatigue, disorientation, loss of appetite, and gastrointestinal disturbance. Apart from the decrements in mental and physical performance directly consequent on such symptoms, competitive athletes are also exposed to the additional negative consequences of a shift from the optimal circadian window of performance. A brief summary of the possible negative effects of jet lag on athletic performance and potentially alleviating strategies is given.
ISSN:0306-3674
1473-0480
DOI:10.1136/bjsm.32.2.101