8 foolproof ways to beat jet lag

Even a one-hour time difference can play havoc with your body and mind...

- WOMAN'S GP DR HELEN WALL ON HER TOPIC OF THE WEEK

Heading abroad this summer? Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that occurs when your body's internal clock (known as circadian rhythm) is out of sync with the time zone you've travelled to. Our internal body clock regulates many of our essential body processes and hormone release, such as melatonin and cortisol. As a guide, you can expect your body to adjust by one time zone per day - that means for those of us going to Australia, it could take upwards of eight days. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help limit the effects.

PREP AHEAD. In the days leading up to your trip, try to move your sleep and wake times by 30-60 minutes towards your destination's time zone, to give your internal clock a head start.