A new study found that combining bright light and melatonin can help advance the circadian clock and reduce jet lag. The combination produces a larger phase advance than bright light alone, making it a practical solution for travelers.
Researchers investigated the effects of caffeine (SRC) and melatonin (Mlt) on jet lag symptoms. The study found that Mlt decreased subjective sleepiness but not objective sleep quality, while SRC reduced sleepiness for a few days with negative effects on recovery sleep. Additional studies are needed to evaluate their full effects.
Scientists found that the biological clock in mice and rats responds to temperature changes rather than light signals. This discovery has significant implications for understanding jet lag and could lead to new treatments for related conditions.