7 Tips for good sleep while traveling
Whether you’re flying across the country or the world, or just staying in a bed that’s not your own, travel can wreak havoc on your sleeping habits. Yet there are people who log thousands of miles traveling every year, and do so with little trouble or disruption. What makes these people so unique? It may be that they follow some general guidelines that help them get the best sleep they possibly can, no matter where they are. Take a look at some of these tips below.
- Stick to your normal schedule. Go to bed at the time you usually do at home. This may mean staying up an extra long time after you land, especially if you’re traveling across several time zones. You may not feel 100 percent the day you arrive, but by trying to maintain your normal routine, you can set yourself up for good nights of sleep for the rest of your trip.
- Watch what you consume. Be careful about the amount of caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine you consume while on your trip. Too much of any of these can throw your system off, disrupting your sleep cycle and keeping you from feeling your best. Make sure you stay well-hydrated as well. This gives you more energy, helps regulate your body’s processes, and in general, keeps you feeling good throughout the day.
- Have the comforts of home on-hand. It always helps to bring things along that help you go to sleep when you’re at home. One good example of this is your pillow. Hotel pillows might not be as comfortable as the one you usually use, so it’s a good idea to bring your own along if you can.
- Exercise. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise every day goes a long way toward maintaining good health. Moreover, sleeping is one of the keys to staying healthy, and exercise can help you feel more tired at the end of the day, which in turn can aid in sleeping well.
- Bring sleep aids. Earplugs, eye masks, and calming scents are all good things to have on hand when sleeping in an unfamiliar, and potentially suboptimal, place. Bringing them along for your trip shouldn’t take up too much space in your luggage, and can really make the difference when it comes to trying to sleep well.
- Optimize your environment. Before you go to bed, make sure your room and bed are prepared for sleep. That means making everything as quiet as possible, as dark as possible, and even a little bit cool, in terms of temperature.
- Unwind. It may take more time than usual to relax before bed when traveling, so be sure to allot that time for yourself. Dim the lights, put on some soothing music, and engage in the activities that help melt your stress away. Try to avoid using bright screens, and stay as comfortable as possible. If you can ease into a restful state, you will be in good shape for quality sleep.
3 Top Travel Bloggers Weigh In On Their On-The-Go Sleep Tips and Tricks [Sleep]
Sleep Well While You Travel [Everyday Health]
Better Sleep Tips for Business Trips [WebMD]