The jet lag recovery calculator is a specialized tool that creates a personalized adjustment schedule based on your specific travel details.
These calculators use principles recommended by sleep experts and even NASA astronauts who regularly deal with time zone disruptions during space missions.
Jet lag doesn’t just steal your energy—it can hijack your entire trip.
Our free jet lag calculator takes the guesswork out of recovery by creating a personalized, science-backed plan to help you adjust faster and feel better sooner.
How to Use Our Free Jet Lag Calculator: A 5-Step Guide
Getting started with our free jet lag calculator is straightforward. Follow these simple steps to generate your personalized recovery plan:
Step 1: Select Your Origin & Destination Time Zones
This is the most crucial step in the process. The calculator needs to understand exactly how many time zones you’ll be crossing to create an accurate plan.
Select your departure city’s time zone from the dropdown menu, then choose your destination. The app automatically calculates the time difference, which forms the foundation of your jet lag recovery strategy.
Step 2: Choose Your Flight Direction
You’ll see two options: “Eastward” or “Westward.” This choice matters more than you might think.
Traveling eastward is typically harder on your body because you’re essentially losing time and asking your brain to speed up its internal clock. The calculator adjusts its recommendations accordingly, often suggesting more aggressive preparation for eastbound flights.
Westward travel is generally easier since you’re extending your day, which feels more natural to most people.
Step 3: Enter Your Age Group
The calculator offers three age ranges: Under 40, 40-59, or 60+.
Age affects how quickly our bodies adapt to new time zones. Younger travelers often recover more quickly, while older adults may need more time to adjust fully. The calculator uses this information to customize the timing and intensity of your recovery plan.
Step 4: Click “Calculate”
This final step generates your personalized recovery plan in seconds. The results will show you a detailed schedule that may include recommendations for:
- Optimal sleep and wake times leading up to your trip
- Light exposure guidelines to help reset your circadian rhythm
- Strategic timing for meals and caffeine consumption
- Day-by-day adjustment recommendations for your destination
The beauty of using a jet lag calculator is that it performs all the complex timing calculations for you, presenting the results in an easy-to-follow format.