Researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a lighting method aimed at reducing jet lag symptoms for long-distance air travelers. The initiative was reported in a scientific publication associated with a major research institution.
Jet lag describes the mismatch between a person’s internal clock and the local time at a destination. Symptoms typically include trouble sleeping, headaches, fatigue, and reduced appetite as the body tries to adjust to a new daily rhythm.
The team devised an aircraft cabin lighting system that mirrors the natural progression of time of day. The project underwent extensive testing with 150 hours spent inside the cabin of an Airbus A350 aircraft.
During the trials, twelve distinct backlight scenes were evaluated, covering moments such as wake up, sunset and sunrise. The wake up phase emphasizes blue light to sharpen alertness and help travelers align with the new time zone.
The sunset scenario gradually shifts from daylight to evening, incorporating moonlight and cloud-like cues designed to encourage relaxation and prepare for sleep. The sunrise scene recreates the dawn as night yields to day, sweeping from the forward cabin toward the rear as the cabin environment gradually changes.
Across all lighting scenarios, researchers selected wavelengths known to exert the strongest influence on the human circadian system. The findings indicate that blue enriched light with high melanopic content can shift the body clock toward the destination time, while longer wavelength light with low melanopic input can stabilize the clock and reduce unwanted shifts.
The researchers plan to test the system on longer flights, including routes between Australia, London and New York, when schedules allow. These trials aim to determine how such lighting can optimize sleep and alertness on ultra long haul journeys.
Earlier work in related fields has explored why bright light can trigger sneezing and other reflexes, highlighting the broader impact of cabin lighting on passenger comfort and health. These insights help frame the current study as part of a broader effort to harness light as a tool for better travel experiences.