Summer often brings changes to our daily schedules: later nights, delayed mealtimes and different waking hours. At ZEM, we understand how these shifts in routine during the summer can influence our biological rhythms and contribute to what is known as social jet lag, a mismatch between the body’s internal clock and the schedule we follow in everyday life.
Unlike the jet lag associated with travelling, there is no need to cross time zones to experience it. Repeated changes to our usual sleeping, eating or activity patterns can be enough to disrupt the body’s natural rhythm.
The body follows its own rhythm
Our bodies operate according to circadian rhythms, approximately 24-hour cycles that help regulate processes including sleep, body temperature, hormone release and metabolism.
Natural light is one of their most important regulators, but it is not the only one. The times at which we sleep, eat, exercise and begin our daily activities also provide the body with important signals.
When holidays disrupt our sleep routine
Longer days, later dinners and greater flexibility are all part of summer. However, when our schedules shift considerably from one day to the next, the body can begin to lose its usual points of reference.
The effects of this circadian disruption are not always experienced as obvious tiredness. They may appear as:
- Difficulty waking up or a sense of unrestorative sleep.
- Reduced mental clarity and cognitive fatigue.
- Changes in appetite and heavier digestion.
- Difficulty re-establishing a regular sleep routine at the end of the holidays.
Even sleeping for longer does not necessarily mean feeling better. The quality and regularity of sleep, together with allowing the body to move naturally through its different restorative phases, are key to overall wellbeing.
"Having dinner late on a regular basis can disrupt the circadian rhythm, particularly if bedtime is also pushed back. In addition, a heavy meal eaten too close to bedtime can make digestion more difficult, increase the likelihood of reflux and affect sleep quality. For this reason, it is important to consider not only what we eat, but also when we eat, and, whenever possible, to allow around two to three hours between dinner and going to bed"
Towards a more stable rhythm
Returning to routine after the summer does not need to involve an abrupt change.
Gradually bringing bedtime and waking times forward, reintroducing greater consistency into mealtimes, spending time in natural light during the morning and maintaining regular physical activity can all help the body establish a more stable rhythm.
It can also be beneficial to reduce stimulation during the final hours of the day. Meditation, conscious breathing and moments of calm can help create a gradual transition between activity and rest.
ZEM Neuro Balance programm to restore your inner rythm
ZEM Wellness Clinic Altea has been nominated as a finalist in two prestigious categories at the Destination Deluxe Awards 2026, the acclaimed global accolades powered by Destination Deluxe—the premier editorial platform for high-end travel and holistic health. This international recognition firmly establishes ZEM amongst the global elite, reinforcing its standing for discerning guests seeking the best wellness clinic in the world: a sanctuary where integrative health, longevity science, and preventive medicine converge within an unparalleled luxury spa experience.
Two nominations recognising one shared vision
ZEM has been shortlisted in the Wellness Retreat of the Year category, recognising destinations that bring together clinical expertise, precision nutrition, functional fitness, holistic therapies and 5 Stars Grand Luxury hospitality within one integrated approach to wellbeing.
Alongside this nomination, ZEM Prime Longevity has been nominated for Wellness Program of the Year. Widely regarded as one of the best longevity programmes available today, it represents our most advanced medical approach to healthy ageing and healthspan extension.
Together, these nominations place ZEM amongst the best wellness programmes in Spain and position the clinic at the forefront of an international movement dedicated not merely to adding years to life, but to adding life and vitality to every year.
Destination Deluxe: The Global Benchmark for Luxury Wellness
Destination Deluxe stands at the pinnacle of luxury travel and wellness journalism, evaluating world-class retreats, longevity clinics, medical spas, and health resorts. Their annual awards honor innovation, clinical excellence, and exceptional service across 25 distinct categories.
The Destination Deluxe Awards 2026 ceremony will take place on 23 September at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, during the prestigious Destination Deluxe Awards & Wellness Summit, gathering thought leaders, innovators, and key figures from the global luxury wellness industry.
Prime Longevity: Decoding the Science of Ageing for Peak Vitality
The nomination of ZEM Prime Longevity as Wellness Program of the Year reinforces our reputation for curating transformative journeys—whether designed as an intensive individual retreat or tailored as a luxury wellness programme for couples seeking a shared journey toward health optimization.
Developed under rigorous medical supervision and guided by a preventive, personalised approach, Prime Longevity combines:
Advanced diagnostics and bio-integrative medicine.
Regenerative therapies and neurocognitive stimulation.
Structured nutrition and guided physical performance.
The programme looks beyond simply adding years to life. Its purpose is to help preserve vitality, metabolic function, cognitive clarity and physical capacity over time.
This approach is complemented by advanced facilities, state-of-the-art technology and a spa extending over more than 2,000 m², creating an environment designed to support recovery, deep relaxation and overall wellbeing.
People’s Choice Awards 2026: Your Vote Matters
There is a third recognition in which the public has its say: the People’s Choice Award. In this category, travellers, guests and wellness enthusiasts can vote for their preferred destination from among the international finalists.
If ZEM reflects your vision of transformative wellbeing and you wish to support our journey to be recognized as the best wellness clinic in the world, we invite you to cast your vote before 31 August 2026.
Vote for ZEM Wellness Clinic in the Destination Deluxe Awards 2026 here
Redefining Prevention: ZEM Signature Health Check-Up
A longer, healthier life begins with a clearer understanding of your health. Guided by this principle, we introduce the ZEM Signature Health Check-Up: an advanced preventive evaluation combining ZEM’s integrative medical approach with the diagnostic capabilities of our external hospital , IMED.
This comprehensive assessment turns clinical insights into a clear, personalized action plan—providing the ultimate gateway to proactive health optimization and enduring vitality.
