Traveling can affect sleep on many levels.
Travel can take us to exciting latest places, give us a break from our every day routine, and supply the chance to try latest experiences. But amidst the thrill, there’s one companion that always cannot sustain: our sleep. Whether you are jet-setting across continents or simply spending an evening away from home, the standard of your sleep can significantly impact your trip. Dr. Rebecca Robbins, MMSc, PhD, MS, a member of Equinox’s Health Advisory Board, shares her expertise on how travel impacts sleep and what the emerging trend of sleep tourism means for travelers.
Why you may’t sleep while traveling
When we travel, our sleep is usually the primary to suffer, and the explanations for this are varied. Dr. Equinox Health Advisory Board member Rebecca Robbins addresses the complex interplay of biological, psychological and environmental aspects that disrupt our sleep on the go.
A serious confounder is the “first night effect,” where our brain stays partially awake attributable to innate survival mechanisms, stopping us from entering the deeper, more restorative stages of sleep. This heightened state of alertness is an evolutionary trait that historically protected us from potential dangers in unfamiliar environments. As a result, travelers often experience lighter sleep and get up more ceaselessly on their first night in a brand new place.
The sensory changes in a brand new environment can further disrupt our sleep. Unfamiliar noises – whether from traffic, the air con within the hotel and even other patterns of silence – in addition to unusual lighting can disrupt our circadian rhythm, the interior clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. This disruption makes it difficult to go to sleep and maintain deep sleep.
Added to those challenges are the physical and mental stresses of travel. Sitting for long periods, whether on a plane or in a automotive, can result in physical discomfort and stiffness, while the dry air in airplane cabins often causes dehydration, leading to discomfort that may keep us awake. In addition, the stress of navigating latest places, managing travel schedules, and anticipating or dreading travel events can construct up, significantly affecting our ability to calm down before bed.
Jet lag from crossing time zones exacerbates these problems by desynchronizing our biological clocks and making it difficult to go to sleep and get up at socially appropriate times. Depending on the variety of time zones crossed, adjusting to local time could be a slow process, further prolonging sleep disruption.
Understanding these aspects allows travelers to higher prepare for and manage sleep problems while traveling. Practical measures reminiscent of adequate hydration, relaxing activities before bed, and step by step adjusting one’s sleep schedule before travel may help mitigate these effects and improve the general travel experience by ensuring higher rest.
The emergence of sleep tourism
The importance of sleep is increasingly recognized, resulting in a rise in sleep tourism. This trend includes improved sleep-focused amenities in hotels and the creation of sleep retreats. “Hotels are starting to realize that they’re not just selling a room, they’re selling a good night’s sleep,” says Dr. Robbins. Sleep retreats are one other aspect of this trend, offering programs that educate on sleep science and supply tools for higher sleep, often in tranquil environments perfect for rest.
Equinox Hotels takes the concept of sleep tourism to a brand new level with its sleep-centric amenities. The rooms and suites are designed to anticipate the needs of every guest and are perfect for various activities, from partying to working and particularly sleeping. Equinox has also launched its Global Sleep Symposium, scheduled for June nineteenth and twentieth, bringing together experts to debate the transformative power of sleep. This symposium is an element of their commitment to redefining sleep tourism through dynamic programming and cutting-edge research.
The business case for higher sleep in hotels
Improving the standard of sleep for guests is not just about comfort – it’s smart business. Dr. Robbins points out, “Only a third of travelers are satisfied with their sleep while traveling, indicating significant room for improvement.” Hotels that spend money on higher sleep experiences see more repeat guests and referrals, which might have a major impact on their bottom line.
To help hotels improve their guests’ sleep experience, Dr. Robbins suggests several practical measures. Completely darkening rooms, reducing noise and maintaining a cool room temperature are crucial aspects. She also emphasizes the importance of investing in quality mattresses, pillows and bedding.
Tips for travelers to get a restful sleep
Dr. Robbins offers quite a lot of meaningful suggestions for travelers who wish to sleep higher on the road:
- Maintain a sleep routine: Maintain a consistent bedtime routine, much like that at home, to signal your brain that it is time to sleep.
- Adjust your schedule upfront: To minimize jet lag, step by step change your sleep schedule before traveling across time zones.
- Look for natural light: When you arrive, expose yourself to loads of natural light to reset your body clock.
- Choose the correct meals: Opt for a lighter dinner and treat yourself to a heavy lunch to avoid disturbed sleep attributable to heavy nighttime meals.
- Create a sleep-promoting environment: Use earplugs and eye masks to dam out unwanted noise and lightweight, especially in unfamiliar environments.
To profit from our adventures, it is vital to know how travel affects sleep. When travelers prioritize sleep, they’ll higher enjoy their trips and the hotel industry can higher cater to their needs and ensure each trip is as restful as planned. Whether you are exploring a brand new city or retreating to a peaceful retreat, keep in mind that good sleep is your key to a successful trip.
