Relationship Jet Lag: How Time Differences Can Affect Your Relationship

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Relationship jet lag means partner issues arising from differences in schedules and time zones.
Experts recommend ways of how to be in a long-distance relationship and avoid relationship problems.

What Is Relationship Jet Lag?

Relationship jet lag refers to a phenomenon in which partners experience a mismatch in their circadian rhythms due to time differences and/or differing sleep schedules.

Causes Of Relationship Jet Lag In Long-distance Relationships

Relationship jet lag can occur when partners live in different time zones, travel frequently, or work different schedules.

A recent study also attributed relationship jet lag to common relationship transitions or phases of separation and union in a romantic relationship.

In cases of daily relationship transitions, the simple process of being at work to being back home, and then back to work the following day can make the partners feel they are out of sync with each other.

Moreover, partners who are naturally more independent can find it challenging to move into a reunion phase like marriage or childbirth and may experience relationship jet lag.

Specifically for couples in long-distance relationships, due to differences in schedules and time zones, each partner develops different sleep and eating patterns. They end up feeling tired or irritable due to a mismatch in their circadian rhythms and experience difficulty in finding time to spend together or communicating effectively.

Impact Of Relationship Jet Lag

Any relationship jet lag can negatively influence relationship outcomes, particularly levels of relationship satisfaction and happiness.

It also contributes to fractures in intimate relationships through miscommunication and misunderstandings.

Partners often experience feelings of neglect, anger, loneliness, guilt, and shame and they may end up having a short-term unsuccessful relationship.

How To Overcome Relationship Jet Lag

Consider the following tips to address issues arising from relationship jet lag:

Be aware that different schedules or time zones can create difficulties.
Normalize the “jet lag” experience and understand what makes transitions easier or harder for you or your partner.
Prepare beforehand for any relationship transition and the subsequent “jet lag” period.
Communicate with each other regularly and be honest about your feelings, needs, and expectations.
Be supportive of your partner, especially if you are in a long-distance relationship. Be present when they need you, and offer encouragement and positive reinforcement.
Make sure to keep your promises, be faithful, and avoid situations that may compromise your partner’s trust.
Plan quality time and regular dates. If your partner lives in another time zone, plan visits back and forth.
Be creative, if being physically apart is limiting your ability to connect with each other. Try sending each other care packages, and surprise gifts, or plan virtual date nights.

Any relationship can be challenging, particularly long-distance relationships. There come certain times when every relationship hits a rough patch and goes through jet lag.

To manage such unpleasant circumstances, partners may need to adjust their schedules or make compromises to ensure that they have time to spend together and maintain their emotional connection.

In fact, with open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to make an effort, it is possible to maintain a strong and healthy relationship despite differences in sleep schedules and time zones.