- The study explores social jetlag - when a traveller's internal clock doesn't match local time
- Research found that travellers with social jetlag became less impulsive, choosing low-energy activities to manage fatigue and make the most of their trip
- The findings highlight the need for tourism businesses to consider travellers' energy levels and body clocks when designing schedules
You may have spent hours scheduling your holiday plans down to the last minute, but did you ever consider factoring in your body clock?
New research published in Tourism Management explores social jetlag, which happens when your body's internal clock doesn't match the schedule you're expected to follow - and it's common in everyday life. For travellers, it often occurs when their natural sleep rhythm doesn't line up with travel plans or local time at the destination.
While regular jetlag is well studied, social jetlag during travel remains less explored, despite its negative impact on sleep and its influence on travellers' mood and behaviour.
Researchers analysed data from over 600 participants across several studies, including the American Time Use Survey, and found that when a person's natural body clock doesn't align with their social schedule - it can harm their thinking, emotional control, behaviour, and physical activity.
The study found that those experiencing social jetlag during travel, including those who are typically short sleepers and spontaneous, became more mindful of how they used their energy. Instead of acting impulsively, they slowed down and made more thoughtful choices to avoid getting too tired. When sleep-deprived, many opted for lower-energy activities like river cruises or stargazing, over high-energy adventures, helping them save their energy and enjoy the rest of their trip without becoming extremely fatigued.
Lead author Joo Young Kim from Kyung Hee University , said: "Aside from the travel jetlag due to a long-distance flight from Korea, I realised that when I don't sleep well during trips due to the on-site schedule, I don't remember as much from them which made me want to dig deeper into this issue through my research.
"This study highlights the importance of aligning travel with wellbeing, as we found that most travellers experiencing social jetlag chose not to push through fatigue or make spontaneous plans. It shows that they were actually adjusting their schedules to take care of themselves. This suggests people are more mindful, even when their body clocks clash with tourism itineraries."
Understanding the natural body clock can help with planning more realistic itineraries. It's also important to allow flexibility - skipping some activities when energy is low may actually enhance the overall holiday experience.
The research therefore highlighted how those dealing with social jetlag don't just stop doing activities. Instead, they are selective about how they use their energy and carefully decide when to spend it and when to save it.
Professor Giampaolo Viglia from the School of Strategy, Marketing and Innovation at the University of Portsmouth, said: "Many travellers worry they won't enjoy their holidays due to jetlag, and as a result, they avoid participating in tourism activities.
"Their internal clock is misaligned with the local schedule, especially in cases where international flights land early in the morning, but hotel check-in isn't until the afternoon. People arrive exhausted, with no opportunity to rest, which ultimately results in social jetlag. While some hotels now offer early check-in, this remains a widespread issue.
"Our findings are the result of an international collaboration, which is fitting given the global relevance of the topic, it affects millions of travellers worldwide."
This study, funded by Kyung Hee University, has underscored the importance of understanding social jetlag and how this could help tourism businesses improve schedules, reduce fatigue, and create better travel experiences, while also supporting traveller health and recovery after trips.
