by: Francesca Gregory
Although travel for many people is meant to be a time of relaxation, sleep remains elusive for most holidaymakers. Specifically, Wakefield Research data found that up to 63% of surveyed Americans said they struggled to sleep well while on vacation. This condition is called travel insomnia, and it can be caused by multiple issues, including anxiety, stress, routine changes, unfamiliar surroundings, and, specifically, jet lag. According to a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist from Duke‘s University School of Medicine, jet lag is a biologically ingrained form of circadian misalignment. When the body is repeatedly put under the strain of jet lag, it can result in health issues ranging from confusion to a higher chance of certain diseases.
So, if you’re an avid traveler, it’s important that you find a way to get a good night’s sleep. Doing so ensures you can better enjoy your current vacation and any other future holidays that will be contingent on your well-being. With that in mind, here are some tips to practice while on the road.
Look for large bedframes
Whether it’s because they’re hoping to cut costs or because they think they’ll be spending most of their time outside, many travelers opt for budget accommodations. However, this often means you have to settle for small bed frames. While there’s generally nothing wrong with more modest beds, larger ones are more conducive to sleep after the especially busy days you’re likely to have on holiday. As such, when booking rooms, try to choose one with California king bed sets. You may find these in hotels because they come in a variety of finishes that can match any aesthetic, and they come with matching storage units that guests can use to put their possessions in. Leading retailer Living Spaces showcases how California king beds are the biggest beds on the market, measuring 72 by 84 inches, so you get a lot of legroom. This means, regardless of whether you’re traveling solo or with others, there’s enough space to stretch out and get comfy. Since these frames are usually made of hardwood and metal, you’re also well-supported, and you won’t be disturbed by any creaky hinges. An example of one such hotel we’ve previously featured here is the Clement Palo Alto, which featured Cali Kings in their one-bedroom suites.
Ask for supportive mattresses
Apart from the bedframe, you also want to consider your mattress. Most hotel mattresses can get rather lumpy after repeated use, and this can spell disaster for more sensitive sleepers. To ensure you get a mattress that can help you sleep easily and comfortably all night, ask your hotel for supportive mattress options. In some cases, you may even find that they offer specialty rooms with upgraded mattress options. For example, if you’re particular about the firmness and temperature of your mattress, you may need a Berkeley-backed AI mattress. Using sensors, these mattresses can monitor and note any changes in the sleeper’s breathing and heart rate. With this information, the AI software changes the mattress’s level of firmness and coolness to lull the guest back to sleep. Since jet lag doesn’t just affect sleeping but also waking, the mattress can also be set to help the guest gently wake up. With this setting, the bed slowly begins to warm up and move slightly during a pre-determined wake-up time. Business Insider further explains that guests can choose to “save” their mattress settings, so the AI will know to pre-program it to their liking throughout the duration of their stay. Currently, luxury hotels like the Hyatt have adopted this technology.
Cut out sensory disturbances
Finally, as much as you’ll want to bask in your surroundings, good sleep is reliant on a quiet and calm space. With this, it’s important for you to cut out any potential sensory distractions, like bright lights, pungent smells, or loud sounds. In your hotel room, the best and easiest way to do this is to keep your curtains drawn. Most hotel rooms come with thick blackout curtains that are designed to filter out light and dull sound. For instance, the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA’s floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the lush Italian landscape are actually outfitted with dense curtains, too. While it may seem counterintuitive to block out your view, this will help put you in a sleepy mindset, at least at bedtime. Aside from this, the Sleep Foundation suggests sleep accessories, like eye masks and noise-canceling earphones or earplugs. This will help keep your mind centered on rest and also prevent you from being tempted to use your gadgets or check other amenities.
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