How to plan your sleep vacation.
When it comes to wellness, sleep is a top priority for many of us and yet, according to research by McKinsey & Company, it’s the area where we have the greatest number of unmet needs. And that’s bad news, because not getting enough shut-eye means we’re crankier, grumpier, more stressed, less focused and at greater risk of getting sick — even really, really sick.
In fact, we’re so sleep deprived these days that, where we once might have planned our holidays around partying or adventure travel, we’re all becoming sleep tourists.
We’re not just talking afternoon siestas in sunny climes. We’re talking deliberately planning your vacation around your Zzzzzz’s. Here’s how to do it right.
First, book a time when you can power right down, even if it’s just for a night or a weekend.
Find a hotel, spa or resort that offers comfortable, quiet rooms with quality mattresses, fine bedding, good soundproofing, a pillow menu, an attention to wellness/mindfulness and, ideally, the soothing shush of ocean waves or the wind whispering through the trees outside.
You don’t have to travel far; plenty of properties on the Island are ideal for a sleep getaway, from small, urban boutique hotels to luxurious oceanside resorts..
If you have time and budget, though, you could consider one of the sleep retreats offered by properties like Mountain Trek Resort in Nelson or the Hästens Sleep Spa in Coimbra, Portugal. (Hästens is a Swedish company that makes some of the world’s most luxe and expensive mattresses.)
Plan your stay so you can dine early, avoid alcohol and caffeine, go to bed in a timely manner, shut off all your devices and let your body decide when it needs to wake up. If you must plan activities, make them ones that will help you decompress, like a long walk on the beach, a yoga class or a soothing massage.
Sleepy yet? Us, too.
In today’s world, sleep is more important than ever, and understanding how to truly rest is vital to maintaining wellness. If you’re ready to improve your sleep habits, dive into these other articles to help you take your sleep game to the next level.
First, “4 Simple Habits to Beat Stress, Sleep Better, and Improve Focus” offers practical steps to incorporate stress-reducing habits into your daily life, making it easier to sleep soundly and feel more focused throughout the day.
If you’re curious about the science behind sleep, check out ‘The Secrets of Sleep – How to Get a Good Night’s Rest.’ It breaks down the sleep cycles and shares some great tips for improving your nightly routine.
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