Viagra - I doubt many people would connect this prescription drug with treating jetlag. But, sure enough, studies have been done to see how effective Viagra is in reducing the symptoms and treating jet lag.
Reports of Viagra as a possible jet lag remedy have started popping up with greater frequency. The brand name of the drug sildenafil is usually thought of as synonymous with erectile dysfunction issues, but somehow it morphed into a potential jet lag cure.
It wouldn't be the first time the drug took on a different use, as it was originally prescribed for heart issues like high blood pressure. The recent study touting the potential benefits of Viagra in combatting jet lag saw a 50% faster recovery rate from jet lag symptoms - but this only worked for flights going in an eastward direction. The study also showed that Viagra helped reset circadian rhythms faster (sleep - wake cycle) using hamsters and measuring their recovery by how quickly they hopped back onto their exercise wheels.
It's an interesting study, possibly controversial, but if you want to read about it, it has been documented by the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
Sildenafil accelerates reentrainment of circadian rhythms after advancing light schedules from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America.
It is important to note that the drug only worked in conjunction with light therapy, and only in one time direction - the equivalent to flying eastbound.
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