Road Test: Timeshifter
Developed with researchers from Harvard Medical School, a new phone app deals with jetlag’s causes rather than its symptoms.
What is it? A phone app designed to minimise the effects of jetlag.
Can an app really do that? It was developed with researchers from Harvard Medical School (so it must be good) and deals with jetlag’s causes rather than its symptoms.
What does that mean? It encourages you, at various times, to expose yourself to bright light, avoid light, sleep, consume or avoid caffeine, or take melatonin. It’s all about fooling your biological clock and adjusting your circadian rhythm to a new time zone as quickly as possible.
How does it work? Enter your flight details and the app creates a schedule of when to do what. It’s easy to follow; you get notifications on your smartphone or watch.
Does it work? I followed it to the letter on a recent flight from New York to Sydney and was sleeping through the night by day three. OK, I used a prescription sleeping pill as well as the app, but it definitely helped me get through the day without feeling like a zombie by 3pm.
App Store and Google Play; $36.99 per year
Add your comment to this story
Try this new way with meatballs
Substitute swordfish for beef in this recipe for a lighter flavour
The recipes Jock Zonfrillo left for friends and family
In this extract, the late MasterChef star’s final recipes are revealed.
To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register
Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout