Previously, after landing and resting for one night, I was fine. But lately, it takes 2-3 days to feel "my body has recovered." For many people, this might be the point where they start questioning... Pilot health Is the fatigue simply a result of the flight schedule, or are there other factors that should be considered?
For pilots and crew, advice like "get enough sleep, drink plenty of water" may sound simple, but it's not something you can follow every day in real life. Often, you don't get to choose when you go to sleep, when you wake up, or when your body needs to adjust its sleep schedule again.
Therefore, if you feel that your body is taking longer to recover lately, the question may not just be: "Have you rested enough?" But it might be. "What has changed to the point that we're not the same person anymore?"
Our bodies have...""Circadian Rhythm" (biological clock) It helps determine when to wake up, when to be sleepy, and the body's rhythm at different times of the day. However, the daily schedules of pilots and crew members don't always follow this clock.
Today I might have to wake up at 3 AM. In a few days, I'll switch to a night flight, then fly across multiple time zones, and try to sleep during times when my body still perceives it as daytime. When this happens repeatedly, my scheduled routine might not match my body's perceived time, which is one reason why the term... Getting enough sleep doesn't always mean "fully recovered."
Some people may notice difficulty falling asleep, feeling drowsy at unusual times, waking up feeling unrested, or taking several days to return to normal after a flight. These symptoms don't necessarily mean an underlying illness, but if they recur or change from what they usually experience, it's health information that should be taken seriously.
Because fatigue doesn't have a single cause. Besides your circadian rhythm and sleep quality, other factors may be involved, such as stress, nutrition, dehydration, underlying health, or certain health conditions that vary from person to person.
The low humidity environment in a cabin can cause a dry throat, thirst, or a general feeling of lethargy during and after a flight, but dehydration shouldn't be used to explain all persistent fatigue. The same goes for vitamins and hormones; some people may have these factors involved, while others may not. Therefore, when you start to feel your body recovering slowly, the first thing you should do isn't to rush to find out what's causing it. "What needs to be added?" But it's about gradually understanding that... "What are some factors that might be related to our fatigue?"
Even though they spend a lot of time working in the sky, it doesn't mean that pilots and crew members always get enough sunlight to produce enough Vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a role in many aspects of health, including bones, muscles, and the immune system, and low Vitamin D levels may be associated with fatigue in some people.
But there is one very important point. Feeling tired doesn't necessarily mean you have low vitamin D levels. Because fatigue can stem from a wide range of causes, from sleep problems and anemia to thyroid disorders, nutrition, and other health factors.
Therefore, if you have any concerns about your Vitamin D levels, checking and evaluating them in conjunction with other health information can provide a clearer picture than guessing based on symptoms alone. And you shouldn't start taking high doses of vitamins simply because you feel tired without first assessing the need and appropriateness.
Fatigue after a long-haul flight can occur. What's more interesting is... Is your recovery pattern changing? Try to think back 6 months or 1 year.
If your recovery time is taking longer today, even on weekends or after getting enough sleep, and you still feel like your body isn't keeping up, that might be a change you should start noticing.
If the fatigue recurs, takes longer to recover, or begins to affect concentration, sleep, daily life, or work, it may be helpful to talk to a doctor for further evaluation, especially if other symptoms are present. Do not self-diagnose as just jet lag or try to push through each flight.
Basic health checkups are important because they help screen for many diseases and risk factors, but results that are within the normal range do not necessarily explain every symptom you are experiencing.
At the same time, just because you're still feeling tired doesn't mean you need to get every kind of test done. Before deciding what additional tests to get, it might be helpful to look at the bigger picture first.
This information helps doctors determine what issues need further evaluation and what additional tests are appropriate for that person.
The goal, therefore, is not to perform as many tests as possible, but to select and assess what is meaningful to each individual's health.
Two pilots might fly the same route, have similar flight hours, and both say they are "tired," but the factors contributing to their fatigue might be different. One might have issues with sleep and... Biological clock Some individuals may require further evaluation, while others may have nutritional, hormonal, or other health factors that should be considered.
The W9 Wellness Center's approach therefore emphasizes review. Symptoms, health history, lifestyle, and available test results. Working together, we can help provide a clearer picture of each individual's health. If indicated, your doctor may consider recommending additional tests in related areas, such as hormones, vitamins and antioxidants, or other health information as appropriate.
One of the assessment options for the W9 is: W9 Signature VITAL This includes basic health checks, hormone levels, vitamins, antioxidants, and heavy metals.
However, this does not mean that all pilots need to undergo the same tests. The selection of tests should be based on individual health information and suitability, because for W9, personalized care does not mean... "Check more" But it means... Assess each individual appropriately and use the information gathered to help plan a rational care.
Q: What types of post-flight fatigue should I start paying attention to?
A: If you gradually feel better after rest, it may be related to your flight schedule or time zone change. However, if recovery takes longer than usual, you don't feel refreshed after sleep, or the fatigue starts affecting your daily life, you should consult a doctor for further evaluation.
Q: I had a normal annual health checkup, but I'm still tired. What should I do?
A: Achieving within the normal range doesn't always explain all causes of fatigue. Your doctor may consider your symptoms, sleep patterns, flight schedules, and medical history to determine if there are any areas that need further evaluation.
Q: If I want to do further assessment, should I start with Vitamin D or hormones?
A: There's no need to self-diagnose, as fatigue can be caused by many factors. It's best to start with an overall assessment and then consider the tests that are most suitable for each individual.
This information is provided for general medical knowledge and cannot replace a diagnosis or advice from a specialist. If you experience any unusual symptoms, persistent fatigue, or symptoms that affect your life and work, you should consult a doctor for proper evaluation.
W9 Wellness Center has two branches.
📍Rama 9 Branch (Ital-Thai House Building)
Call 062-424-2298
📍Chaengwattana Branch (Charn Avenue Project)
Call 062-424-9429
Line @w9bkkwellness
Written and compiled by
Anti-aging and preventative medicine physician
W9 Wellness Center
I only eat wrapped snacks, cakes, bread, and ice cream. I feel a little considerate of my body.
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