Sleeping Well on a Cruise: Top Tips and Tricks
Cruise ships offer a wide range of comfortable accommodations, from inner staterooms to luxury suites. While the environment of a cruise is exciting and often quite comfortable, it can be difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Whether you’re a light sleeper, suffer from motion sickness, or experience frequent bouts of insomnia, a few well-thought-out strategies can help you get the rest you need and enjoy your time at sea.
Sleep deprivation is a common problem for many travelers, and being on a cruise can amplify the issue significantly. Floating on the vastness of the ocean can make it feel like there’s no escape. Fortunately, some simple tips and tricks can help you get the rest your body needs.
Here are some of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep while cruising:
Set a Relaxing Atmosphere
Create a cozy atmosphere that will keep you comfortable and relaxed. If you’re on a warm cruise, opt for lightweight, breathable sheets and make sure your stateroom fans are on. Cool temperatures and air circulation can be a great way to quickly fall asleep and stay comfortable all night long.
If you’re like many cruise-goers, you may like to sleep with some background noise to block out the sound of the ocean. White noise machines, portable fans, sound machines, and recordings of soothing music can all be great tools to create a relaxing atmosphere.
To ensure maximum comfort, be sure to bring your favorite pillow from home so you don’t have to rely on the decisions of the cruise line as to which pillows they provide.
De-Stress Your Mind and Body
It’s important to de-stress your mind and body at the very least one hour before hitting the hay. Allowing your mind to process the day’s events is important for relaxation. A few minutes of mindful visualization, reading, light stretching, or doing something creative can help your body and mind get ready for rest.
Cruise ships often offer spas, so if it’s in your budget, make sure to take advantage of these services, as they can be a great prelude to sleeping.
Daytime Activities and Sleep Schedule
Make sure to get sufficient sunlight exposure throughout the day. This helps to solidify your sleep-wake schedule and ensure you’re getting enough melatonin at night. Moving your mattress and curtains to orientation to maximize natural light can be very beneficial.
Try to engage in physical activities during the day. Cruise ships offer a variety of activities like swimming, walking, beach and shore excursions that you can take advantage of. Just make sure you don’t go overboard with nighttime activities that will make it hard for you to fall asleep.
Useful Tips:
- Bring your own pillow from home.
- Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, fans, and white noise.
- De-stress your mind and body one hour prior to sleep.
- Take advantage of the cruise spa treatments.
- Engage in physical activities throughout the day.
- Stay away from overstimulating activities late at night.
- Maximize natural light exposure during the day.
By following these helpful guidelines, you can ensure you get the quality sleep you need, so that you can start each day of your cruise feeling fresh and energized. Enjoy your time at sea and make the most of each moment!