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Jet Lag? Math to the Rescue!

A pair of mathematicians has used optimal control theory to produce a mathematical tool that promises travelers full recovery from jet lag in mere days, even for 12-hour time shifts.

The mathematical model developed by Kirill Serkh (Yale University) and Daniel Forger (University of Michigan, Ann Arbor) prescribes alternating between complete darkness and full daylight, and the team has released an iPhone app that calculates for travelers the optimal alternation for their circumstances.

For instance, a globetrotter who travelled 12 hours from his original time zone and wanted to (eventually) start his day at 7 a.m. local time, should, according to the model, stay in the dark until 1:10 p.m. the first day and in the light until 9:50 p.m. After four days, a series of schedule shifts would get the traveler on his desired schedule.

Read New Scientist's coverage.

Start Date: 
Monday, April 28, 2014