Light and Melatonin Can Reset Circadian Rhythm

He said it would be advisable to avoid excessive use of caffeine and alcohol in either direction and added that slow-release caffeine has been shown to improve daytime alertness, and melatonin has been shown to foster sleep after an eastbound flight. For specific recommendations geared to time zones of departure and arrival, he recommended using the jet lag calculator in the travel clinic section of www.fleetstreetclinic.com

Dr. Avidan disclosed receiving a consultant fee and serving on the speakers bureau and advisory committee of Takeda Pharmaceuticals, which sells ramelteon in North America. He also listed relationships with Sepracor Inc., GlaxoSmithKline, and Boehringer Ingelheim.