New drug could cure jet lag

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A new pill that combats the feeling of jet lag by re-setting the body’s internal body clock is being developed by scientists and could be available within three years.

The wonder drug mimicks the effects of melatonin – or sleep hormone – on the body and therefore cuts the length of time it takes for travellers to fall asleep, post-flight, and helps to keep them asleep for longer. The higher the levels of melatonin in our bodies, the sleepier we become.

The upside of the medication is that it’s likely to be less addictive - in contrast to other drugs which aid sleep, like valium.

When tests on the drug, tasimelteon, were carried out on volunteers, those whose sleep pattern had been disturbed found they slipped into slumber more quickly and for longer.

The new findings, published in medical journal The Lancet, will aid a variety of people including ‘shift-workers, airline crew, tourists, football teams and many others’ says the report.

Further trials on the new drug show that it may also be a potential treatment for those suffering from insomnia.

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Tuesday 2 December 2008

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