Hotel Sleep: How to Get the Best Rest While Traveling
Traveling can be both calm and exciting, but if you don’t get the proper rest, then your trip may soon turn into a disaster. Hotel rooms can be a great place to rest your head and catch some z’s, but how can you make sure that your sleep is soothing instead of sleep-deprived? Take a look at these best tips to help you get the best sleep while traveling.
A great way to start off is by sticking to your sleeping schedule as closely as possible. If you go to bed at the same time every day, regardless of where you are, your body will thank you for it. Make sure to choose a hotel room that provides you with a comfortable environment to sleep in; if the noise and light is irritating, it can be hard to get a good night of rest.
Also, make sure that the mattress and pillows fit your needs. If you’re not used to sleeping on a certain kind of mattress, it can be difficult to get the sleep you need. Do some research to make sure the hotel you’re staying at will provide you with a comfortable bed.
Bedtime Rituals and Environment
Having a bedtime routine will make it easier for your body to go to sleep. This means that before you go to sleep, you should practice calming activities like stretching or a “bedtime yoga routine.” Pick a time and stick to it. This will help your body start to recognize when it’s bedtime and will help you get better sleep.
Try to keep a consistent sleeping environment. When you’re home, you might keep the lights low, turn on some music, or relax with a hot bath. These behaviors can easily be replicated in a new environment. Just make sure that the temperature of the room is comfortable and there is no excess light that will disrupt your sleep.
Light and Sounds
Most hotels contain blackout shades on the windows. Make sure you use them because they will create an environment without any distractions while sleeping. If the environment is too noisy, you may want to try earplugs. This will help you block out random noises coming outside the hotel and create a peaceful sleeping environment.
Making sure that the room is dark during sleeping hours will immensely help your sleep quality. Don’t forget to turn off the lights, phone and laptops that may affect your sleep. If there is a TV in the room, choose to watch something calming and abstain from anything too exciting or stimulating in the evening.
You may also find some white-noise machines extremely helpful. Not only do these drown out noise from outside the hotel, but they also create a soothing environment that helps lull you to sleep.
Making Sure You’re Comfortable
One of the most important and overlooked aspects of getting good sleep is comfort. Invest in a safe and comfortable travel pillow or sleep mask. The sleep masks will block any excess light coming from outside and the pillows will help you keep your spine in neutral, an important aspect of nighttime comfort.
The right set of pillows and blankets can also help you sleep. Purchase a comfortable pillow and blanket set for yourself, so that you can have a cozy and familiar sleep environment every night, no matter where you are.
Extras
- Purchase a quality “rest” pill
- Listen to calming music at night
- Avoid caffeine and sugary foods close to bedtime
- Go outside for a short walk in the evening
- Exercise daily to get your body used to sleeping in different environments
- Read a book or magazine before bedtime
Conclusion
You can easily get great sleep on the road with a few simple steps. Control the noise and light of the room, find a comfortable sleeping setup, and stick to your sleep schedule if you want to get the rest you need. Start sleeping better and enjoy restful nights in the hotel.