Timeshifter app launches to help travellers tackle jet lag

By June 12, 2018 May 21st, 2020 General News

Timeshifter has announced the release of its Timeshifter app for iOS and Android, developed to help travellers eliminate jet lag.

Based on the latest research in sleep and circadian neuroscience, the company said Timeshifter is developed with an expert in the field of circadian rhythms, Harvard Medical School Associate Professor Steven Lockley, Ph.D.

“Helping travellers overcome jet lag is a perfect example of how mobile devices will improve our lives in unexpected ways, and represents a paradigm shift in jet lag solutions” says Mickey Beyer-Clausen, CEO of Timeshifter. “We are thrilled to finally put an end to all the jet lag myths and misinformation out there, and instead offer an effective tool that truly addresses the underlying cause of jet lag.”

In a statement, the company explained: “Jet lag is caused when the sleep-wake and light-dark cycle shift too quickly. Our 24-hour circadian clock easily adapts by minutes each day in response to the changes in sunrise and sunset, but when crossing multiple time zones quickly, the brain just can’t keep up.”

The app provides advice to alleviate the symptoms of jet lag, such as insomnia and tiredness, and Timshifter says it also addresses the underlying circadian disruption by resynchronising the circadian clock to the new time zone, reducing the negative impact of jet lag on other brain and body functions.

“The problems caused by jet lag cannot be tackled using generic advice, which is over simplistic and can often be counterproductive, making jet lag worse”, says Dr. Steven Lockley. “Each traveller and trip is different and requires a personalized approach taking your sleep pattern, chronotype, flight plan, and a range of personal preferences into account.”

Timeshifter generates personalised jet lag plans based on the traveller’s sleep pattern, chronotype, flight plan and optional preferences such as pre-travel adjustment or the use of melatonin for faster adaptation.

The app also incorporates a ‘practicality’ filter ensuring advice is realistic and easy to follow, and also has a ‘Quick Turnaround’ feature for business travellers on trips that are not long enough to allow full adjustment.

Timeshifter launch partners include Under Armour, which is bringing the app to elite athletes, and Six Senses, which will offer the app to its resort and hotel guests.

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