Racing Against Time: Jet Lag and Formula One

 

It’s the Formula One season in Singapore! Formula One stands at the zenith of motorsport in the contemporary world, owing, in large part, to the high-octane action, the cutting-edge technology, and the amazing skill of the drivers. These drivers, individuals of which peak performance is required in every race, face a multitude of challenges, ranging from controlling nerves to dehydration. However, another challenge F1 drivers need to deal with (more commonly than you may expect) is jet lag. In this article, we'll examine what jet lag is, how Formula 1 drivers deal with it, and how you can personally apply these principles to your own life.

Jet lag, also known as desynchronosis, occurs when a person's internal body clock, or circadian rhythm, becomes misaligned with the external day-night cycle of their new location. F1 drivers face this issue due to the global nature of the sport; along with their teams, they need to move around the globe to various different places for races, and are not given the time to adapt to the new time zone that a typical traveller would be.


The effects of jet lag on not only F1 drivers, but on everyday people, are numerous. Symptoms can range from sleep disturbances to irritability and decreased cognitive function. To an F1 driver, the sleep deprivation caused by jet lag can impair reaction time and alertness, hurting performance. To, for instance, a student, jet lag can lead, mainly, to general fatigue, which branches out into a myriad of its own effects. (see more PSW articles to get more insight on the effects of sleep deprivation) So, how do F1 drivers deal with jetlag, and how can you?


F1 drivers employ a number of techniques to mitigate the effects of jetlag, a few of which follow:

  • Strategic Travel Plans: F1 races typically take place in Europe. However, for races that don’t, drivers follow a European time schedule instead of a native time schedule. This may involve drivers waking up in the late afternoon and heading to bed at the crack of dawn. This is also why hotel rooms install special blackout curtains for these drivers to help them sleep better.

  • Light Exposure: Controlled exposure to light is a potent tool in resetting the body's internal clock. Drivers use special lamps that emit specific wavelengths of light to help adjust their circadian rhythms.

  • Diet and Hydration: Nutrition plays a vital role in managing jet lag. Formula 1 drivers pay close attention to their diet and hydration to ensure their bodies are properly fueled and hydrated during races.

  • Psychological Techniques: Some drivers practice relaxation techniques, meditation, or mindfulness to reduce the stress associated with jet lag.

  • Pharmaceutical Aids: In extreme cases, drivers may resort to using melatonin supplements or prescription medications to help them sleep or stay alert when necessary.


Unless you happen to be an F1 driver yourself, you likely won't be able to use every method in this list to combat jet lag. Special lamps and melatonin supplements are hard to come by, and strategically planning your trip to adapt to the time zone may not be an option for you. Still, the most important techniques in the list by far are diet and hydration and psychological techniques. 

These are the most practical ways of dealing with jet lag and generally managing your sleep schedule, and they are the most effective of every solution mentioned. 

Jet lag is a problem that haunts the mind of anyone that has ever travelled overseas. Though it seems insurmountable at first, a combination of planning, eating healthy and staying mentally stable can help anyone, from a regular student just trying to pass school to a globally-viewed participant in the most popular motorsport on the planet, overcome it.

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