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 isn’t anything to do with the jet. It’s the change in time zone. Your body can’t instantly adjust to the new time so it is releasing sleep chemicals and hormones during the day, which makes you feel tired.

Trains are not as fast and not as direct, so your body doesn’t have to adjust as fast.