Tech millionaire Bryan Johnson says he fasted on LA to Bombay flight for 33 hours to prevent jet lag; find out if it really helps

Johnson revealed on X (formerly Twitter) that he practiced fasting for the entire duration of his journey, avoiding food, caffeine, and alcohol. This meant a 33-hour fast. According to him, overeating on flights can severely impact sleep quality, and fasting helps reset his biological clock to the new time zone.

Some things I’m trying to lessen jet lag:

1) Fast: No food, caffeine, or alcohol before or during. For a flight from LA to Mumbai via Singapore, this means a 33-hour fast. Overeating on flights wrecks sleep quality.

2) Sleep Immediately:
Informed the flight crew that I’ll…

— Bryan Johnson /dd (@bryan_johnson) November 30, 2024

Though not detailed in this instance, Johnson’s lifestyle frequently emphasises physical activity and hydration, critical components in mitigating travel-related fatigue.

Dr Jayanta Thakuria, Director of Internal Medicine and Rheumatology at Yatharth Super Speciality Hospitals, explains that fasting can indeed help reset the body’s internal clock by synchronising metabolism and sleep-wake cycles. This approach may be effective for healthy individuals by reducing the mismatch between the body’s circadian rhythm and the new time zone.

However, Dr Thakuria also points out potential downsides:

• Prolonged fasting can lead to dehydration, low energy levels, and nutrient deficiencies.
• Increased stress hormones caused by extended fasting might exacerbate fatigue and negatively affect overall well-being.
• For individuals with medical conditions like diabetes, fasting poses additional health risks.

Balanced strategies for managing jet lag

While fasting may work for some, here are other expert-recommended methods for minimising jet lag by Dr Thakuria:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before, during, and after the flight.
• Avoid Stimulants: Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption, as they can disrupt sleep and dehydrate the body.
• Light, Nutrient-Rich Meals: Consume easy-to-digest meals to maintain energy levels without overloading your digestive system.
• Adjust Sleep Patterns: Gradually shift your sleep schedule a few days before traveling to align with the destination’s time zone.
• Use Natural Light: Spend time outdoors upon arrival to help regulate your circadian rhythm.