Jet lag and performance

[Danny]

Stuart Appleby is struggling to overcome jet lag in time to compete at the Australian Masters.

Many professional sportsman face this issue with the globalisation of sports. Would the best prevention include sleeping pills to prevent a big disturbance to the circadian rhythm ?

What measures would you take?

[Monica]

I've heard a kinesiologist I know suggest techniques to ease jetlag - all non-invasive, ingested or injected. Do pressure points and herbal remedies need to be investigated? Maybe athletes should be looking more to "natural" methodologies over drugs? (maybe not just for jetlag either... an it is very much a individual thing whether or not they work, whereas drugs'll knock 'em out everytime!) I guess, in answer to your question, I'd be looking at something, with renewed vigour and much more interest, that didn't induce a chemical-based stupor for a few days before my big performance!

[Gibbo]

That reply might stir the big man up...stand back, he's coming in off the long run for this one!

[sydunisportsmed]

I am a huge fan of Melatonin. Available OTC in the USA but hard to get here in Australia. There is a chemist in Miranda who can make some up if anyone is suffering from jet lag and wants to sleep on a new rhythm.