Last week when I was in New York, every news channel focused on a recent study about how Viagra might reduce jet lag. It wasn't until I got back to BA and read a bit more online that I learned that this particular study was done right here in Argentina.A study at the Universidad Nacional de Quilmes showed that male hamsters who received an injection of sildenafil along with a 15-minute stimulation of light were able to adjust their internal clocks by six hours in roughly half the time that hamsters who did not receive the treatment took.
Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra.
It works by sustaining a molecule that increases blood flow. Because that signaling molecule is sensitive to light, it seems that increasing its quantity makes the system more responsive to a change in patterns of light and dark.
An interesting point--sildenafil was useful only for simulations of eastward travel. The study showed that Viagra was ineffective when used for lengthening days to simulate travel westward.
Of course, there are still some things to be worked out. Just because it works in hamsters doesn't mean it will work well in humans, but researchers are optimistic that Viagra could be used safely and effectively for the purpose of reducing jet lag.
And what about that rather obvious result of taking Viagra?
There will need to be some tweaking of the dosage, obviously. The researchers stated that humans would likely need to take Viagra six hours after their normal bedtime on the night before traveling eastward.
This could make for an interesting morning flight. Which begs the question--do we really want to fly on a plane full of erect penises?
I predict a huge increase in membership in the Mile High Club--and a need for more restrooms on planes.
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