Jet Lag Treatment Aberdeen — Melatonin
Travelling somewhere with a big time difference? Jet lag can leave you tired, foggy and out of sync for days. Our prescribing pharmacist can assess whether melatonin is suitable to help reset your body clock — no GP appointment needed. Book a private consultation at our Aberdeen city-centre pharmacy, online or as a walk-in.
Consultation £20. Treatment deductible from cost of consultation. No GP referral needed.
What is jet lag?
Jet lag happens when you travel quickly across several time zones and your body clock is still set to where you started. It can cause tiredness during the day, difficulty sleeping at night, poor concentration, and a general "out of sorts" feeling. The more time zones you cross, the more pronounced it tends to be, and many people find it worse travelling eastwards.
How melatonin helps
Melatonin is the hormone your body naturally releases in the evening to signal that it's time to sleep. Taking it as a short course can help nudge your body clock towards your destination's time zone, helping you fall asleep at the right local time and feel more rested. Our pharmacist will explain exactly when and how to take it for your particular journey, as the timing is what makes it effective.
Is melatonin right for my trip?
Melatonin for jet lag is generally only worth considering when there's a time difference of three or more hours between where you're starting and your destination — for smaller differences, your body usually adjusts on its own. During your consultation, our pharmacist will check the details of your trip and your medical history to see whether it's suitable for you.
When extra care is needed
Melatonin isn't suitable for everyone, and our pharmacist will take particular care if you have any of the following, as it may not be appropriate or may need closer consideration:
Thyroid disease
An autoimmune condition (such as lupus/SLE, rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis)
Epilepsy or a history of seizures
Kidney problems
Liver problems
This is exactly why a short consultation is needed before any treatment — it's there to keep you safe.
Beyond medication: helping yourself adjust
Alongside (or instead of) melatonin, a few simple measures genuinely help your body settle into a new time zone. Our pharmacist can talk these through with you, including staying well hydrated, getting outside into natural daylight at your destination, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and trying to shift your sleep and mealtimes towards local time as soon as you arrive.
Jet Lag FAQs
How much does it cost?
The consultation is £20 with our prescribing pharmacist, and this is deductible from the cost of any treatment. Melatonin 3mg is £29 for 10 tablets, subject to suitability.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. You can book directly with us, online or by walking in — no GP referral or appointment is needed.
When should I take melatonin for jet lag?
Timing is key and depends on your direction of travel and the time difference. Our pharmacist will give you clear, personalised instructions during your consultation.
Is melatonin suitable for everyone?
No. It's generally only advised when there's a time difference of three or more hours, and it isn't suitable for some people — including those with certain thyroid, autoimmune, kidney, liver or seizure conditions. We check this carefully at your consultation.
Can you help with jet lag without medication?
Yes. Our pharmacist can advise on practical measures — daylight, hydration, avoiding late caffeine and adjusting your routine — which help a great deal, with or without melatonin.
Book your jet lag consultation online today, or call us on 01224 635300.