How to get over jet lag: Guide for travelers to Mexico

Medically reviewed byVadzim B. - PharmDon Feb 8 2026

The time required to get over jet lag depends on the number of timezones you cross. Coming from the UK to Mexico usually takes about 6 days to adjust to the new time zone. How to get over jet lag? Gradually adjust to the new timezone before traveling and medication such as Melatonin can help (consult with your doctor to make sure it is safe for you).

Why is Jet Lag Worse Coming Home?

Many travelers find that jet lag feels more intense when returning home, especially if their journey involved traveling eastward. This perception often stems from the difference in how our bodies adjust to time changes.

When you travel eastward, your day is shortened, which makes your body wake up earlier than it's used to. However, traveling westward makes your day longer, which is usually easier for your body to adapt to, as it's more natural to stay up later than to go to bed earlier [1].

Are you looking for help to get over jet lag faster? Consult an English-speaking primary care physician for any jet lag related questions.

How Long to Get Over Jet Lag - Overcome Jet Lag Fast

The duration of jet lag varies from person to person and depends on the number of time zones crossed but it usually takes about one day to adjust for each time zone crossed [2]. So, if you cross six time zones, it could take around six days for your body to fully adapt.

Here are 6 tips to overcome jet lag fast:

• Adjust your sleep schedule gradually: A few days before your trip, start shifting your bedtime and wake-up time closer to your destination's schedule.
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your flight to combat dehydration, which can worsen jet lag symptoms [3].
• Seek or avoid light strategically: Exposure to natural light at your destination can help reset your body clock. If traveling east, get morning light exposure. If traveling west, seek afternoon light [4].
• Manage sleep on the plane: Try to sleep on the plane if it's nighttime at your destination, and stay awake if it's daytime.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol: While tempting, these can disrupt your sleep patterns further.
• Stay active: Gentle exercise can help, but avoid strenuous workouts close to bedtime.

Do You Get Jet Lag from Mexico to UK?

Traveling from Mexico to the UK will result in jet lag. Mexico spans several time zones, but assuming a departure from Central Mexico (CST, UTC-6) to the UK (GMT, UTC+0 or BST, UTC+1), you would be crossing at least 6 to 7 time zones. This eastward journey will shorten your day and will result in jet lag symptoms. Expect to feel tired earlier in the evening and wake up in the middle of the night until your body adjusts.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

The Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask is a skincare product designed to hydrate and soothe tired, stressed skin, particularly after travel. It has nothing to do with getting over jet lag.

Can Jet Lag Affect Your Bowels?

Jet lag can impact your digestive system, leading to various gastrointestinal issues. Your circadian rhythm influences not only your sleep cycle but also the timing of your digestive processes. When this rhythm is disrupted, you might experience symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, indigestion, or a loss of appetite [6]. Sticking to familiar foods and staying hydrated can help mitigate these effects.

What Medication Helps with Jet Lag?

The most commonly recommended medication for jet lag is melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that your body naturally produces to regulate sleep. Taking melatonin supplements can help signal to your body that it's time to sleep, aiding in the adjustment to a new time zone [7].

You can find Melatonin in most pharmacies across Mexico over the counter. It's remarkably effective in preventing or reducing jet lag, especially when traveling eastward across five or more time zones. Proper timing and dosage are important for its effectiveness [8]. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance on dosage and timing.

Other medications are generally not recommended for jet lag unless prescribed by a doctor for specific symptoms.

How to Beat Jet Lag Going to Europe

Traveling to Europe from North or South America typically involves an eastward journey, meaning you'll likely experience more significant jet lag. Here are specific strategies to help you beat jet lag when heading to Europe:

• Pre-adjust: A few days before your flight, start going to bed an hour or two earlier each night and waking up earlier.
• Choose overnight flights: Try to book flights that arrive in the morning or early afternoon in Europe. This allows you to stay awake during the day and go to bed at a reasonable local time.
• Maximize sleep on the plane: Use eye masks, earplugs, and neck pillows to create a conducive sleep environment. Consider a small dose of melatonin if appropriate.
• Embrace the daylight: Upon arrival, get outside and expose yourself to natural light as much as possible, especially in the morning. This helps reset your internal clock.
• Stay active but don't overdo it: Light walks and exploring your new surroundings can help keep you awake and engaged, but avoid intense exercise until you're more adjusted.
• Eat meals at local times: Even if you're not hungry, try to eat at the local meal times to further synchronize your body.

Jet lag calculator

References

[1] Sleep Doctor. "Is Jet Lag Worse Going East or West?". Sleep Doctor, Jan 19, 2024. https://sleepdoctor.com/pages/health/is-jet-lag-worse-traveling-east-to-west [2] Sleep Foundation. "Jet Lag: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention". Sleep Foundation, Jul 29, 2025. https://www.sleepfoundation.org/travel-and-sleep/jet-lag [3] Healthline. "How to Get Over Jet Lag: 8 Tips and Suggestions". Healthline, Oct 23, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/how-to-get-over-jet-lag [4] Human Performance Alliance. "Beating Jet Lag: A Guide to Strategic Light Exposure". Human Performance Alliance, May 8, 2024. https://humanperformancealliance.org/playbook/beating-jet-lag-a-guide-to-strategic-light-exposure/ [5] Summer Fridays. "Jet Lag Mask ® + Moisturizer". Summer Fridays. https://summerfridays.com/products/jet-lag-mask [6] Mayo Clinic. "Jet lag disorder - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic, Nov 19, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/jet-lag/symptoms-causes/syc-20374027 [7] NHS. "Common questions about melatonin". NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/melatonin/common-questions-about-melatonin/ [8] PMC. "Melatonin for the prevention and treatment of jet lag". PMC. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8958662/ [9] Clue app. "How travel and jet lag can affect your period". Clue app. https://helloclue.com/articles/cycle-a-z/how-travel-jet-lag-can-affect-your-period [10] Quora. "Can you get jet lag on a road trip?". Quora, Jun 7, 2023. https://www.quora.com/Can-you-get-jet-lag-on-a-road-trip