Evie Summers
Many people find that they sleep better in hotels than they do at home. A survey by Skyscanner found that 49% of Americans sleep better on vacation, attributing this to calm, clutter-free accommodation, physical activity, and being away from the stresses of daily life. The quality of a hotel's bedding, mattress, and overall environment, as well as respite from day-to-day worries, can contribute to a better night's sleep. Hotel rooms often feature amenities like air conditioning, blackout curtains, and comfortable lighting, all of which promote better sleep. Additionally, the feeling of crisp, clean sheets that hotels offer due to their frequent laundry practices can be instantly relaxing. While some people may experience the \first night effect\ of heightened alertness in a new place, staying in a hotel for multiple nights can lead to more restful sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calm, clutter-free accommodations | Free from the stress of life |
| High-quality bedding | Comfortable mattress |
| A respite from day-to-day stress | Blackout curtains |
| White noise machines | Pillow menus |
| Sleep services | Weighted blankets |
| CBD-infused treats | Sleep concierge |
| Sleep retreats | Change of scenery |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
A break from daily life and stress
A change of scenery and a break from daily life and stress can significantly improve sleep quality. Travelling for leisure or work can help reduce stress and facilitate better sleep. A survey by Skyscanner found that 49% of Americans sleep better on vacation, attributing their rest to "calm, clutter-free accommodations, being away from the stress of life, and being more physically active".
People with insomnia often sleep better away from home because they are further removed from the associations with tossing and turning in their usual place of insomnia. Dr Dimitriu, the founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine, explains that people might sleep better in a vacation home because it offers the comforts of home while providing a change of scenery.
Additionally, the hospitality industry has recognized the importance of sleep and is increasingly offering amenities and services to enhance guests' sleep quality. Hotels provide high-quality bedding, comfortable mattresses, and relaxing environments, contributing to a restful night's sleep. Some hotels offer pillow menus, sleep services, and special turndown packages with calming mists and guided meditation tracks.
Furthermore, behaviours that improve sleep quality at home can also be implemented while travelling. Dr Dimitriu recommends outdoor activity and exposure to natural light, as well as avoiding alcohol and late meals, which can disrupt sleep. Staying hydrated is also crucial for nasal and respiratory health, which impacts sleep quality.
Overall, a break from daily life and stress, combined with comfortable accommodations and healthy sleep habits, can contribute to a more restful slumber in a hotel setting.
Less Sleep, More Energy: My Surprising Experience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
High-quality, regularly washed bedding
One of the reasons people sleep better in hotels is because of the high-quality, regularly washed bedding. Hotels typically invest in high-quality bedding, which can make a significant difference in sleep quality. This includes comfortable mattresses, soft sheets, and plush pillows. For example, the Four Seasons mattress has been improved over time with feedback from sleep experts and hotel guests to ensure the ultimate comfort.
Additionally, hotels prioritize cleanliness, and bedding is washed regularly, providing a fresh and hygienic sleep environment. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to dust mites, which are commonly found in bedding. The cleanliness and freshness of hotel bedding contribute to a more comfortable and restful sleep experience.
Furthermore, hotels often offer a variety of pillow options to cater to different preferences and sleep needs. Some hotels provide pillow menus, allowing guests to choose from various fillings, such as buckwheat, cooling gels, or memory foam, ensuring personalized comfort and support for a good night's rest.
The combination of high-quality materials, consistent washing, and pillow options contributes to the overall comfort and satisfaction of guests, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a restful night's sleep.
Additionally, some hotels go beyond traditional bedding by offering unique amenities to enhance sleep quality. For instance, certain hotels provide weighted blankets, which can promote a sense of calm and improve sleep by reducing restlessness and providing gentle pressure. These additional amenities showcase the attention to detail and the focus on creating a relaxing sleep environment that hotels strive to achieve.
Fibit and Sleep: A Match Made in Heaven?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A cool, dark, quiet room
A cool room is important for sleeping well. A stuffy, warm room can make it difficult to get comfortable and drift off. Many hotels provide air conditioning or fans to keep the room cool, which can be a welcome relief from the stress of everyday life. A dark room is also essential for a good night's sleep. Blackout curtains or blinds can block out any unwanted light, helping to regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
In addition to being cool and dark, a quiet room is crucial for sleeping well. Noisy distractions can interrupt your sleep, leaving you feeling tired and groggy in the morning. Hotels often have soundproofed rooms or white noise machines to ensure a peaceful and quiet environment.
To replicate a hotel-like sleep experience at home, aim to keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Invest in a good fan or air conditioning unit to keep the temperature cool. Blackout curtains or blinds can block out any unwanted light, and earplugs or white noise machines can help to mask any unwanted sounds. By creating a cool, dark, and quiet environment, you can improve your sleep quality and wake up feeling rested and refreshed.
Zodiac Sleep Patterns: Who Needs the Most Rest?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
A comfortable mattress
Hotels often use hybrid mattresses that combine foam and coils. These hybrid mattresses offer both support and comfort, ensuring guests wake up feeling rested. For example, Marriott Hotels offer a 13-inch thick innerspring model that boasts enhanced edge support and a bouncy feel.
The firmness of a mattress is an important consideration. Most hotels opt for medium to medium-firm mattresses as they provide a good balance of support and pressure relief. A mattress that is too soft may not provide enough support, especially for heavier individuals or those who experience back pain. However, some hotels offer customisable firmness levels to cater to different preferences and needs. For instance, the WinkBed mattress offers three firmness options: Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firmer, ensuring guests can choose the level that suits their sleeping position and body type.
Pillow-top mattresses are also a popular choice in hotels, adding an extra layer of comfort and luxury. The Heavenly® Bed, featured in Westin Hotels, is a 14-inch pillow-top mattress that combines support and softness with reinforced edges for a comfortable sleep.
Some hotels even offer sleep services and amenities to enhance the sleep experience. For instance, the Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in France provides a turndown package that includes a calming mist and guided meditation.
The comfort and quality of hotel mattresses often inspire individuals to replicate that experience at home. Many mattress brands have recognised this desire and now offer hotel-style mattresses that promise a luxurious and supportive sleep, similar to what one would find in a hotel.
In summary, a comfortable mattress is a key component of a good night's sleep, and hotels often excel in providing high-quality mattresses that cater to a range of guests. The combination of support, firmness, and luxury offered by hotel mattresses contributes to a restful and rejuvenating sleep experience.
Medicated Sleep: Better or Worse Than Insomnia?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Being away from home
Travel can also act as a balancing factor for sleep. Research by Sigga Svala Jonasdottir found that those who sleep fewer hours at home tend to sleep longer when away, catching up on much-needed rest. On the other hand, those who usually sleep for nine hours or more at home tend to sleep less when away. Thus, for those who sleep well at home, travel may disrupt their sleep patterns.
Additionally, the hospitality industry has recognized the importance of sleep for their guests and has introduced various initiatives to enhance sleep quality. Some hotels offer amenities such as weighted blankets, CBD-infused treats, pillow menus, blackout curtains, and sleep services. These offerings can contribute to a more relaxing and comfortable environment, promoting better sleep.
However, it is essential to note that the benefits of being away from home for sleep can also be achieved in vacation rentals. Dr. Alex Dimitriu suggests that vacation rentals offer the "best of both worlds," providing the conveniences of home while still offering a change of scenery. This can be particularly appealing to those seeking a balance between familiarity and novelty in their sleeping environment.
Innerspring vs Latex: Which Mattress Sleeps Cooler?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Hotel rooms often feature air conditioning, blinds, and blackout curtains to ensure light pollution and temperature don't disrupt your sleep. Hotels also tend to have high-quality, regularly washed bedding, which can be more comfortable. Additionally, being away from home and daily stressors can help you sleep better.
A room that is too hot or too cold can disrupt your sleep. The ideal room temperature for a good night's sleep is between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Light can disrupt your sleep, so it is important to ensure your hotel room is dark. If your room does not have blackout curtains, consider bringing a sleep mask. Also, avoid blue light from electronic devices before bedtime.
Being away from home means you are away from the stressors of daily life, which can help you sleep better. However, sleeping in a new place may make your brain more alert, especially if you are only staying for one night.
