People who travel long distances via airplane often experience a complication known as jet lag. Symptoms of jet lag disorder include fatigue, irritability, and stomach issues, among other things.
Although jet lag impacts a significant amount of the population, Boeing is trying to mitigate the effects of the disorder in its 787 class of airplane.
As it would seem, the airplane accomplishes this task by controlling cabin pressures and humidity. Most airplane cabins are pressurized to simulate an altitude of 8,000 feet above the ground, but Boeing’s 787 class can simulate those pressures experienced at just 6,000 feet above the ground.
With most airplanes flying between 30,000 and 40,000 feet above ground, this is an impressive feat. By maintaining a feeling experienced at lower altitudes, the body adjusts to the flight more easily.
Naturally, these mitigations don’t wholly cure passengers of the effects of jet lag, but they can help reduce the symptoms felt. It should be interesting to see what further advancements might come about in the airline industry as time goes on.
