[Rheumatism, jet lag and the body clock]. / Rheuma, Jetlag und die innere Uhr.

ABSTRACT

Circadian rhythms play an important role in the function of the body. Among others, the activity of the immune system is subject to daily variability which explains the different intensity of rheumatic symptoms during the day (e.g. morning stiffness). Circadian rhythms are subject to continuous adaptation via external time signals (zeitgebers), such as light-dark periods, time of food intake, as well as daily activity and resting periods. Following an acute phase shift of these external zeitgebers, e.g. via transmeridian travel (east-west or west-east), the body has to adjust all circadian systems to these new circumstances during an adjustment response, which lasts for several days. The classical symptoms of jet lag, such as tiredness during the day, mood swings and cognitive malfunction occur during this adjustment period. The impact of acute phase shifts as a result of transmeridian travel in subjects with rheumatic disorders, as well as strategies to prevent jet lag will be discussed in the following article.