A pill that could cure jet lag

Those who work long hours, late nights or travel frequently and suffer from chronic jet lag might soon be able to pop a pill to help reset their body clocks.

Scientists in the UK have discovered that suppressing a certain enzyme can restart natural circadian rhythms, meaning you could "reset" yourself and keep your body operating on a normal 24-hour cycle.

Researchers from Manchester University published their findings in Current Biology, which states the body could be coaxed into adapting to being up at night or asleep in the daytime.

Team leader, Dr David Bechtold, told The Daily Telegraph, the findings could lead to a pill being invested which could inhibit enzyme CK1epsilon in humans.

"We already know that modern society poses many challenges to our health and wellbeing - things that are viewed as commonplace, such as shift-work, sleep deprivation, and jet lag disrupt our body's clocks," he said.

"It is now becoming clear that clock disruption is increasing the incidence and severity of diseases including obesity and diabetes.

He added we are not genetically pre-disposed to adapt quickly to rapid changes in time and routine, such as long-haul flights.

A number of previous studies have claimed serious and even fatal health problems can befall those whose body clocks are out of synch for an extended period of time.

Around 6% of the genes of the body are directly linked to internal clocks or circadian rhythm, and switch on at certain times of the day or night, Dr Bechtold added.

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