A lot of us, when we travel, want to make the most of our time while we’re on holiday by creating memories. We do this so much that we have a tendency to jam pack our schedules with all kinds of things to do. Is this part of trying to get our money’s worth while giving up our precious time spent on vacation?
On the converse, would you fork over your deftly saved holiday dollars to go to some new destination just so you could spend most of your time sleeping?
Sleep tourism is an emerging trend in travel that focuses on improving sleep quality or offering experiences centered around rest and relaxation. It caters to travelers who prioritize restorative experiences, whether for health reasons or simply as a form of luxury and wellness travel. This trend often coincides with the growing awareness of the importance of sleep for overall well-being.
It seems everywhere you look, there are articles and videos about the importance of sleep for our overall health. Yet, it looks like it is the one area that we more often than not will try to shave off time from and skimp on, as our ever-demanding schedules encroach on our beauty sleep time.
So maybe it isn’t so far fetched to consider taking a sleep vacation. There are a number of ways to accomplish this, so that must mean we can actually engage – or should be say disengage – in this most passive of “activities” that in all likelihood a majority of us wish we had the bravado to do without one single solitary drop of guilt. Even one, albeit several is much better, good night’s rest, interspersed with lots of napping is apparently on so many wish lists.
How much do we yearn to sleep? Let us count the ways.
Specialized Accommodations
Hotels are offering rooms specifically designed for optimal sleep conditions with such things as soundproofing, blackout curtains, high-quality mattresses, and super comfy bedding. Suites are being designed and equipped with tools like white noise machines, circadian lighting, and temperature controls.
Wellness Programs
Resorts and spas are offering sleep-focused retreats with expert consultations, yoga, meditation, and sound therapy to send guests into lullaby land. There are programs for the sleep deprived that are aimed at addressing insomnia, jet lag, or simply improving overall sleep patterns. Think of it as “How to Personally Shut Down 101.”
Technology Integration
Smart beds are making slumber comfort personally adjustable through buttons that conform to the sleeper’s preference of mattress firmness, temperature, and even level – as in giving your bed partner the option to raise your head to help you stop snoring by adjusting your side of the bed with the push a remote button. And if you’re a solitary sleeper, there are personal tracker gadgets and apps that will monitor you while you sleep so upon awaking, you can study your own patterns as you strive to optimize your sleep patterns. With all those options, you’ll be sleeping on cloud 9 in no time.
Expert Guidance
Along the lines of programs, there are actual sleep coaches who are professionals in helping guests understand and improve their sleep habits. Whether one on one or through educational workshops, guests can learn about such topics as to how nutrition, mindfulness, exercise, and some “ohms” may all contribute to better rest.
Luxurious Cultural Nature
Some holiday packages combine rest with unique experiences like stargazing in remote locations or staying in eco-lodges designed for peace and quiet. Aromatherapy and spa treatments also promote relaxation and better sleep. Who knows? Maybe the yummy smores you have by the campfire will lull you into a childhood night of restful sleep.
Shh… Sleep Tourism In Progress
The concept of sleep tourism is very appealing to people looking to counterbalance stressful lifestyles, recover from travel-related fatigue, or simply invest in self-care while exploring new destinations. And if you still can’t imagine forking over your hard-earned pay to go somewhere just to sleep, nowadays you can order hotel quality beds and linens along with sound machines and aromatherapy misters so you can create your very own sleep haven in your own abode to enjoy night after blissful night. Okay quick… now turn off your phone and get some shut eye!
