Jet lag, not being able to sleep in a moving vehicle, the confusion of waking up in an unfamiliar bed – all are common complaints of travelers who struggle with getting regular shuteye when they roam the world. Luckily, there are tons of tips, tricks and products that veteran travelers have endorse to help you make sure you’re getting the rest you need to fully enjoy your trip.
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If jet lag has a way of throwing off your entire trip… try to adjust your sleeping patterns in the days leading up to your trip, so that they correspond with your destination. Even if this means going to bed and waking up just an hour earlier than usual, giving yourself a head start on jet lag’s negative impact can make a huge change once you land. If you’re flying, make sure to change your watch over to your destination’s time zone as soon as your board – this can trick your body into thinking you’re more adjusted than you might otherwise feel. Finally, and this goes for all travel situations, drink water. Staying hydrated helps you sleep deeper, and keeps your whole physical system running smoothly. When flying, consider bringing an empty water bottle to the airport and refilling once you’re through security – this can save you some money and is more environmentally sustainable than purchasing a plastic bottle every time you fly.
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If you have trouble falling (or staying) asleep while traveling… bring a pillow or blanket from home, that you sleep with regularly. This small bit of home can be a small reassurance to your brain, which may have trouble settling into normal sleeping habits in a new place. If you are able to control temperature, aim to set it between 54-75 Fahrenheit (12-24 Celsius) – below or above those numbers, your body may be working too hard on staying comfortable to prioritize sleep. Finally, if you’re generally sensitive to light or sound when you sleep, these everyday disturbances can be magnified when you’re in an unfamiliar place. Turn on a fan to provide background noise, or make sure to travel with earplugs or headphones, and cover windows with blinds – in a pinch blankets or towels draped over shutters will work too. It’s important to be comfortable in a space so that you can have restful, deep sleep.
Image source: Pixabay
If you’re interested in sleep aids for travelers… and you typically sleep reasonably well during travel, but want a little help, consider investing in ear plugs or noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask or a neck pillow. These are relatively inexpensive purchases (headphones excluded) that can keep out extraneous light and sound, and ensure you don’t wake up with serious neck pain after a long flight. If you have trouble sleeping, but would prefer not to take medication, you might want to buy a light blanket for long flights (sometimes the weight of a blanket can help ease people into sleep) or add essential oils such as lavender or chamomile to your suitcase. These calming scents can help soothe you before sleep – just be sure to use them once you’re at your destination rather than on flights, as fellow passengers may be sensitive to the scents. If you think you need medication to sleep comfortably while traveling, be sure to ask your doctor before deciding what to use – sleep medications can have side effects that are best to be aware of in advance of a trip.
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Do you have a favorite tip, trick or product that helps you stay rested while you travel? Share it in the comment section below. Our agents would be happy to help you book your next trip – contact us if you’re planning on traveling and looking for assistance in planning your adventure.
Sources: Independent Traveler, WebMD
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