Not getting enough
The rise of sleep tourism may be a sign of just how chronically sleep deprived we all are. In Australia more than one-third of adults are not achieving the recommended 7–9 hours of sleep per night, and the estimated cost of this inadequate sleep is A$45 billion each year. Inadequate sleep is linked to long-term health problems including poor mental health, heart disease, metabolic disease, and deaths from any cause.
Can a fancy hotel give you a better sleep?
Many of the sleep services available in the sleep tourism industry aim to optimise the bedroom for sleep. This is a core component of sleep hygiene – a series of healthy sleep practices that facilitate good sleep, including sleeping in a comfortable bedroom with a good mattress and pillow, sleeping in a quiet environment, and relaxing before bed. The more people follow sleep hygiene practices, the better their sleep quality and quantity.
When we are staying in a hotel, we are also likely away from any stressors we encounter in everyday life (such as work pressure or caring responsibilities). And we’re away from potential nighttime disruptions to sleep we might experience at home (the construction work next door, restless pets, unsettled children). So, regardless of the sleep features hotels offer, it is likely we will experience improved sleep when we are away.
What the science says about catching up on sleep
In the short-term, we can catch up on sleep. This can happen, for example, after a short night of sleep when our brain accumulates "sleep pressure". This term describes how strong the biological drive for sleep is. More sleep pressure makes it easier to sleep the next night and to sleep for longer. However, while a longer sleep the next night can relieve the sleep pressure, it does not reverse the effects of the short sleep on our brain and body. Every night’s sleep is important for our body to recover and for our brain to process the events of that day. Spending a holiday "catching up" on sleep could help you feel more rested, but it is not a substitute for prioritising regular healthy sleep at home.
5 tips for having a sleep holiday at home
An AI-powered mattress and a sleep butler at home might be the dream. But these features are not the only way we can optimise our sleep environment and give ourselves the best chance to get a good night’s sleep. Here are five ideas to start the night right:
1. Avoid bright artificial light in the evening (such as bright overhead lights, phones, laptops)
2. Make your bed as comfortable as possible with fresh pillows and a supportive mattress
3. Use black-out window coverings and maintain a cool room temperature for the ideal sleeping environment
4. Establish an evening wind-down routine, such as a warm shower and reading a book before bed or even a "sleepy girl mocktail"
5. Use consistency as the key to a good sleep routine. Aim for a similar bedtime and wake time – even on weekends
Conclusion
Sleep tourism may promise a trip of a lifetime, but it’s not the only way to improve our sleep. By prioritising healthy sleep habits at home, we can create an environment that is conducive to restful sleep. Remember, a good night’s sleep is essential for our overall health and wellbeing, so take control of your sleep today.
FAQs
Q: Can I catch up on sleep during my holiday?
A: Yes, you can catch up on sleep during your holiday, but it’s important to remember that sleep is not a substitute for prioritising regular healthy sleep at home.
Q: Will a fancy hotel really give me a better sleep?
A: While hotels can provide a sleep-friendly environment, it’s ultimately up to us to establish healthy sleep habits. A good mattress and pillows are important, but so is avoiding screens before bed and creating a relaxing bedtime routine.
Q: What are the consequences of inadequate sleep?
A: Inadequate sleep can lead to a range of health problems, including poor mental health, heart disease, metabolic disease, and deaths from any cause. It’s essential to prioritise sleep and create a sleep-friendly environment.
