Eli5: how can a 14-15 hours flight trip can make you feel jet lagged but even a long 20 hours train journey doesn’t have the same effect?

Question

Is it because typically during these long flights there is a a change in multiple time zones and that messes your circadian rythm?

In: 541

Answer 1

Jet lag is part. Being confined to a very small seat for a very long time is part. Dehydration is also part.

Air in an aircraft is pressurized from the compressor section of the jet turbine. It starts out at -40F/C, then gets heated to a few hundred degrees. Any moisture in it is absolutely destroyed.

Then it gets cooled off, and pumped into the cabin.

The relative humidity in an aircraft at altitude is 10% or less, and all that comes from OTHER people’s breath.

If you seriously want to feel better after a long flight, wear a mask and drink at least 1-2 liters of water. It’ll keep you hydrated better.