Anyone who’s ever gone
from Ann Arbor to Chicago knows that a time zone change of any size can be
challenging to adjust to. When traveling overseas, chances are the time change
will impact you more than you anticipate, not only because the sun may come up
when you’re accustomed to going to bed, but also because the farther you go,
the more time you spend trekking through airports, counting down the seconds
until your layover is over, and losing sleep while crammed between the passenger next to you and the reclined seat in front of you.
Regardless of how
long your commute is, there are plenty of apps that claim to eradicate jet lag,
each with divergent reviews from travelers who have tried them.
Here are a few
of the highlights we’ve found at varying prices and with unique features and
approaches to suit your personal needs (all information courtesy of item
descriptions in iTunes and Google Play).
Jet Lag Rooster (FREE through iTunes and Google Play) boasts
“scientific research” behind its customized jet lag plans that focus on when to
seek and avoid sunlight to optimize your jet lag adjustment. No internet or
data connection required to operate.
Jet Lag Rooster allows you to select when you would like to start adjusting to your new time zone, and it provides daily schedules for your anticipated adjustment period.
StopJetLag (FREE through iTunes and Google Play) allows
you to set your own travel plan and takes into account your flight schedule.
This app reminds you of when you seek bright light exposure, food, sleep, exercise,
and optional melatonin supplements. No internet or data connection required to
operate.
JetLag Genie ($2.99 on iTunes) allows you to customize your departure and arrival locations, the usual times when you go to sleep and wake up, and your personal flight schedule. JetLag Genie generates suggestions for when you should seek and avoid light, sleep, and darkness before, during, and after you travel. It includes a Melatonin guide.
Jet-Lag Rescue ($3.99 on iTunes) utilizes individual pressure
points in an acupuncture-esque approach to recalibrate your internal clock
after you’ve traveled.
Jet Lag Rx ($9.99 on iTunes) offers suggestions for
when to seek and avoid light, sleep, and food, but as of February 2013, a majority of
consumers reported that it crashed frequently.
This post was written by
an International Center peer adviser. It is in no way
endorsed by the University of Michigan.
