If you’ve never heard of Timeshifter, this post is for you. I’ve heard many people swear by this app’s ability to use a personalized, science-based strategy to minimize jet lag and circadian disruption. It intentionally adjusts the body’s internal clock with targeted light exposure, timed melatonin, and strategic caffeine use. So, I’m giving it a go (minus the melatonin).

It should be mentioned that I am in no way affiliated with this app. I am not being paid to do this. In fact, everyone’s first trip using Timeshifter is free. That’s a pretty good deal for those of us who might be skeptical, or for those who don’t travel far or often. That said, the presence of other affiliate links may be in this post; this only means I’ll receive a small commission if a purchase results from a reader clicking on said link. This does not, in any way, shape, or form, affect you, the consumer and reader.

Initiating Timeshifter

It’s 2 days before take-off. The app instructed me to expose myself to as much bright light (sunlight, preferably) as possible at 6am. Well, I woke up a little before 5am, got out of bed around 5:30, and did my morning routine in bright bathroom light. Now, I’ve got all the lights on in the living room because Los Angeles is dreary and foggy outside.

Two of my living room lights are grow lights, so while I’m not exposed to sunlight, I’m exposed to something similar. I’m also supposed to have some caffeine for the next 6 hours. Timeshifter says a 50mg cup of tea or coffee, or equivalent, every two hours during this time will do the trick. I don’t expect that to be an issue.

In some ways, I think I’m naturally making the shift, considering it wants me to wake up an hour earlier each day before take-off. This means 4am in two days, and since I already woke up around 4:30 today, I’m hoping that won’t feel like such a challenge if I continue following the app’s strategy. Then, as I’m reporting this, I realized it’s daylight saving time! Ha – no wonder I was awake. We might have to give this pesky event that happens twice a year some of the credit in that case!

24 Hours of Using Timeshifter

I woke up at 5am, like the app told me to today. However, I slept like utter crap at no fault of the app. A couple of things: one, I didn’t minimize light at 7pm yesterday. I like to watch my K-dramas before bed on the awesome projector in our bedroom, so that was kind of non-negotiable.

I did get really hot last night, which I think is what kept waking me up. Nonetheless, I managed to get out of bed and am exposing myself to as much bright light as possible while having un caffè.

Don’t Let Jet Lag Lengthen Long-Distance Love

Tonight is my partner’s and my last sleep together for a while, and it’s really sinking in how much I’m going to miss him. Alas, I will see him in a month and a half! And if this app works wonders for me, I will definitely recommend that he use it on his way to see me.

That could be a great marketing strategy for Timeshifter: Long-distance love? Don’t let jet lag lengthen that distance. Okay, that’s just off the top of my head. I’m sure their marketing team can come up with something way better!

One more note I think is important is that the app is kind of glitchy. I am using it on an Android, so maybe it’s better suited for iPhones. I have to close it a couple of times, sometimes, before it will open properly. And yes, I’ve checked for updates in the Play Store.

I’m supposed to go to bed at 8pm tonight, which is, more or less, the time I went to bed last night, so we’ll see how that goes. I do think Timeshifter has considered an hour or two on either side of their recommendation. I could be wrong there, but I would love to know if this is true. Timeshifter reps? Anyone?

Final Thoughts After Almost a Week

I wish I could deliver a resounding “Yes! This is the app for everyone!” However, the one fundamental thing I think this app lacks is the acknowledgment of extenuating circumstances that prevent certain things from happening. For example, sleeping on a plane with a screaming/crying baby (for three hours) in front of you is going to prevent you from sleeping.

I know others who have tried this app and been told to avoid light in the middle of the day with a child in tow. I’m sure there are dozens of other scenarios that prevent one from following the Timeshifter app‘s hourly recommendations. This app, in my opinion, seems to be designed for strict adherence, without considering the distractions that can affect our ability to sleep, drink caffeine, and get “as much light as possible.”

That said, I seemingly gave up after unfortunately not getting much sleep on the almost-eleven-hour plane ride, so perhaps this post should be taken with a grain of salt. It certainly doesn’t hurt to give it a go yourself. I’m sure there are individuals out there who can strictly follow Timeshifter’s recommendations.

But for someone like me with high anxiety who is desperately trying to relinquish the need for anything strict, this app was not optimal. That is to say, I’m seeking la dolce far niente, and trying to outsmart jet lag and our body’s natural circadian rhythm probably isn’t the path to “the sweetness of doing nothing.”