A model for prediction of resynchronization after time-zone flights.

Utilizing experimental data from three flight studies, a concept was developed which allows appraising average resynchronization for any day after arrival in a new time-zone. The course of adaptation is nonlinear and can be mathematically represented by an exponential function. The model predicts higher initial resynchronization rates when more time zones are crossed, but total time for complete reentrainment is essentially the same and, thus is independent of the number of time-zones. The equation derived from experimental data is converted into an e-function and the resulting time constants are presented as they evolved for different functions and flight directions.