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A team of scientists in Argentina have discovered that Viagra might hold the key to alleviating jetlag for long-haul travelers.

The study, undertaken by researchers at the National University of Quilmes, shifted the day/night cycle of hamsters forward by a number of hours by switching the lights on earlier.

Some hamsters in the study that were injected with sildenafil, known as Viagra, before the time shift adjusted to the new time as much as 50 per cent faster. The Viagra dosage in the study was exceptionally low, and did not cause erections in the animals.

Researcher Diego Golombek told the New Scientist that Viagra works to alleviate jetlag because it, “raises levels of a small molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate in the body.” This molecule controls the body’s internal clock, so increasing it effectively makes the clock run faster.

Professor Robert Lucas said this research raises interesting possibilities for using Viagra in conjunction with light treatment to avoid jetlag.

“We will have to wait for more research to know whether this will work in humans,” he said.