Sleep While You Travel: Tips for a Restful Vacation
By Brandi Goodman
Whether you're taking an actual vacation or need to be out of town on business, it can be difficult to sleep when you're away from home. You're used to your own bed and nighttime routine and a new place can feel a little daunting. Consider some tips for a restful vacation and get better sleep while you travel.
Stick to Your Schedule
Just because you're away from home doesn't mean you should be staying up late and waking up late into the day. Stick to your typical schedule so you're more likely to feel well-rested and get adequate sleep at night. You should try to go to bed at the same time you do at home and wake up to your alarm. You want to sleep well on vacation but also be able to fall asleep properly once you arrive back home. Throwing your routine off now can spell trouble later.
Get Out and About
You want to soak up as much light as you can during the daytime hours. Get out and about when you can and experience all the city you're in has to offer. The exercise you get while exploring can help to put you to sleep at night and the light you're exposed to can help your body stay on track with its natural circadian rhythm. You'll be more likely to fall asleep on time than if you were to stay in your room all day.
Make the Room Dark
In order for being in the light throughout the day to work for your sleep cycle you need to make the room dark once it's time for bed. Skip scrolling through social media and simply try to relax in bed. The light from your phone can make it hard to drift off to sleep. Close the curtains. Turn off the lights. Wear a sleep mask. A dark room at night will make it easier to fall asleep.
Bring a Chiropractic Pillow
The pillows at the hotel you're staying at won't be what you're used to. It's better to bring your own from home so you can fall asleep comfortably. A chiropractic pillow would be even better so you can be sure your neck and spine are protected when you sleep on a mattress that your body isn't used to using. Many hotels have firm mattresses that are much harder than what you choose to use at home.
Sleep is necessary for good health. If you don't get enough rest at night, then you're more likely to experience fatigue, stress, and irritability during the day. Get sleep even while you travel by keeping a few things in mind.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Apex, N.C.