Sandwell Pharmacy Group
Private service · Jet lag treatment

Beating jet lag: timing is everything

By the Sandwell Pharmacy Group team · Clinically reviewed by Jeetender Singh Sahota, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2048691) · September 2026 · 3 min read

Jet lag is your body clock disagreeing with the local clock. It’s worse flying east, and roughly a day of adjustment per time zone crossed is normal without help.

Melatonin, taken 1–2 hours before bedtime at your destination from the day you travel, shifts the clock faster. Take it at the wrong time — on the plane in the middle of the destination’s day — and it does the opposite. Our pharmacists supply it privately for trips crossing three or more time zones.

Daylight is the other lever: get outside in the morning after flying east, in the late afternoon after flying west. Eat at local mealtimes from day one and go easy on alcohol on the flight.

Jet lag treatment at Sandwell Pharmacy Group

15-minute pharmacist consultation, supplied under a Patient Group Direction. Book a time at your branch or walk in.

See the service →

Related reading

Long-haul without the wreckage: a practical jet lag plan →Jet lag treatment →All private services →Find your nearest branch →
0121 500 5756