Tips To Sleep Well While Traveling
Traveling can be fun and exciting, but it can also get exhausting quickly if you’re not prepared for the long hours and turbulent rides. One of the most important things to plan for is your sleep routine when traveling. Oftentimes as you travel, you’ll have to be up and about early in the morning for an early flight or travel for miles in a car or bus. With all the added activities to your schedule, it can be hard to get a good night’s rest.
Any vacation or business trip is better when you’re well-rested. If you’re wondering why is sleep important on vacation, these tips will explain how and why it’s necessary to sleep properly while traveling:
1. Bring Your Pillow
Packing a travel pillow is a great way to ensure you’ll get a good night’s sleep. If your neck is often sore after sleeping on an unfamiliar bed or from being unable to turn your head from side to side during the night, bringing your pillow can help relieve this pain.
Additionally, you can travel with a miniature pillow designed for plane rides. They come in all shapes, sizes, and materials so there’s no reason not to take yours with you on vacation.
2. Use an Eye Mask
Bringing an eye mask can help you get a good night’s sleep while traveling. An eye mask blocks out light and helps you fall asleep more quickly as it creates a darker environment. It also prevents your eyes from drying out from being exposed to too much light for too long.
Eye masks are made of elastic material that can be adjusted and molded around your head. There are many different styles available, including those that cover the eyes only or those that cover both eyes and the nose. If you plan to use an eye mask in public, consider bringing air plugs and headphones to fully zone out and get your rest.
3. Prepare for the Time Zone Difference
You can’t always control your environment and how much sleep you’re getting, but you can do certain things to help regulate your sleep better amidst a time difference. To make sure your sleeping routine isn’t disrupted significantly by the time difference, try setting your clock ahead or back by a few hours in the days or weeks before your trip. Though this may be an uncomfortable process at first, it should help to alleviate any jetlag you feel during and after your trip.
4. Take Naps Often
Napping while traveling can be tough, but it is not impossible. If you’re staying in a hotel with a bed, reserve your room for the afternoon or evening and take a nap there. If you’re on the road and are too sleepy to drive, don’t hesitate to pull over and take a quick power nap. There is no need to feel guilty about taking care of yourself, as it will give you the energy to get to the next part of your trip safely.
5. Drink More Water
If you don’t drink enough water, you can become dehydrated which can make it difficult to feel rested during your travels. Your body needs water to replenish fluids lost through sweating and breathing. Dehydration will significantly affect the way your body feels and functions, so it’s important to drink enough water before and during travel, especially when flying.
Combat dehydration by drinking enough water and replenishing your electrolytes with supplements, fruit juice, and sports drinks. Moreover, try to limit your intake of sodas and caffeine, as this will contribute to dehydration.
6. Meditate
Meditation can also help you sleep better on your trip. The practice of meditation slows your heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and reduces stress hormones. It also helps relax muscles and decrease inflammation in the body, which can lead to better sleep.
When you’re on vacation, it can be challenging to make sure you’re taking care of your health and wellness. Before you head out of town, do your best to make sure your upcoming travels won’t take a toll on your sleep hygiene. Keep these tips in mind as you learn how to get a good night’s sleep while traveling.
