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Have you ever felt sluggish or out of sorts after a long-haul flight or working a late-night shift? A new study from the University of Surrey and the University of Aberdeen reveals that disruptions to our body clock, such as those experienced during jetlag, can impact metabolism—but not as severely as the effects on sleepiness and alertness.
The research, led by Professors Jonathan Johnston and Alexandra Johnstone, explored the physiological effects of a 5-hour shift in bedtime and mealtimes, a common experience for those crossing time zones or working irregular hours. Published in iScience, the study uncovered a range of metabolic changes during this brief disruption, including:
- Reduced energy spent on processing meals
- Altered blood sugar and fat levels
- Slower stomach emptying after breakfast
However, these metabolic shifts were temporary, typically recovering within two to three days after the time change. This contrasted sharply with the effects on the brain’s internal clock and feelings of sleepiness, which had not fully recovered even five days after the time shift.
Professor Jonathan Johnston, a specialist in Chronobiology and Integrative Physiology at the University of Surrey, highlighted the significance of the findings. “Our research underscores the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, particularly in our fast-paced world, where long trips and shift work are so common,” Johnston said. “Even a small time shift can impact many aspects of metabolism, but it now seems that metabolic consequences of jetlag recover far more quickly than impairment of sleep and alertness.”
The study’s results emphasize the importance of understanding circadian rhythms and their impact on health. While jetlag’s metabolic effects are short-lived, the disruption of sleep patterns can have longer-lasting consequences. “By optimizing our sleep and eating patterns, we can improve our overall wellbeing,” Professor Johnston added.
With jetlag and shift work becoming ever more prevalent in today’s globalized society, this research could offer valuable insights for those looking to minimize the negative effects of irregular schedules on their health.
