a woman sleeping on a white duvet and pillow next to a river next to a swan.

According to a recent YouGov survey, a third of Britons manage to achieve 7 hours (or slightly less) sleep per night, with a further 28% achieving only 6 hours per night. Although sleep needs do vary, with most experts agreeing that 7 – 9 hours sleep is the norm, it is becoming more apparent that the increasing stress of daily life in recent years has made an impact on not only the amount of sleep we are getting but also our quality of sleep. When sustained over long periods of time, this lack of sleep becomes ‘sleep debt’ and can lead to more serious sleep-related issues.

Sleep problems are becoming more widely recognised around the world, particularly since the effects of poor quality sleep is known to impact significantly on our mental and physical wellbeing.  Tiredness, lack of concentration, irritability and low productivity are all symptoms of this – but now this can be helped by an increasing number of ‘napcations’ becoming available for those who want to make a change and opt for a sleep reset. Ultimately being able to achieve better sleep improves memory, mood and productivity.

What is sleep tourism?

Sleep tourism doesn’t involve going to a resort and snoozing in a deckchair on the beach or sunbathing on a lounger by the hotel pool. Instead, it is based on retreats incorporating stress-busting activities, wellness coaching, guided meditations and spa treatments, and will often include melatonin-boosting menus and bedroom environments.

sunset yoga with the waves in distance.sunset yoga with the waves in distance.

What started the trend for sleep tourism?

A need to start viewing health with a 360-degree, holistic perspective, has brought about the evolution of a category of travel that focuses on rest and recharge. Veggie smoothies and going to the gym is not going to be of much value unless you are giving your body the time it needs each night to rest and reset. Resorts and some luxury hotels are now catering to a new kind of guest – those who love to travel but are doing so to specifically relax and reset.

Some examples include: a hotel in Arizona that offers a ‘soak and slumber’ package, comprising guided sleep rituals and a relaxing sleep kit including body butter, sleep tea and cooling eye masks. In Ibiza, another hotel eschews cocktails and party vibes for a 3 – 7 night stay that’s a sleep programme, developed and coordinated by a sleep expert. It includes yoga, personal training, nutritional consultations, and melatonin boosting foods that will help to reboot your body’s circadian rhythm.

Other options, which you can do nearer to home, could include a long weekend camping or glamping, with a strict ‘no WiFi’ or social media rule agreed before you set off, a yoga retreat or a spa break. You’ll find it more effective if you can take yourself away from home, with all its distractions and poor sleep habits, to start making the change. This can then be boosted by lifestyle tweaks when you then return home.

the word melatonin spelled out in foodthe word melatonin spelled out in food

What steps can I take at home to improve my sleep quality?

Start cutting down on your sleep debt and listening to your body and what it needs. We’ve also added some suggestions as to how you might achieve this.

  • Exercise regularly – even if it’s just a 30-minute brisk walk each day.
  • Avoid heavy meals at night and finish your supper at least two hours before bed. Steer clear of very spicy and/or sugary foods late at night and try to cut out caffeine at least six hours before bedtime.
  • Start a digital detox at least one hour before sleeping. The blue light from devices can affect the production of melatonin – the hormone that triggers your body into sleep mode.
  • Add de-stressing, pre-bedtime rituals such as yoga, meditation or a warm shower.
  • Prepare yourself mentally and physically for sleep by creating a calming, relaxing environment in your bedroom, using aromatherapy candles, eye pillows and non-caffeinated sleep tea. Explore our Enchanted Dream Box, which incorporates a gorgeous selection of specially crafted, 100% natural, aromatherapy-based products to help with sleep.
The enchanted dream box by cherish nature.The enchanted dream box by cherish nature.
  • Use breathable, temperature regulating bedding. Wool or alpaca is especially efficient at this and will work with your body, so that you are less likely to wake up due to temperature fluctuations whilst you sleep. Both wool and alpaca are also dust mite resistant and therefore a great option for those kept awake through reacting to dust mite allergens. Visit our website for more information.
  • Swap scrolling through social media before bedtime for journaling about your day – make your ‘me’ time about yourself.
  • Stay hydrated during the day – we all lose moisture whilst we sleep and waking up dehydrated makes you feel tired and lethargic.
  • Be consistent in your bedtime and your wake-up time, including at weekends if you can.
  • Start eating your breakfast within an hour of waking up. Eating a balanced breakfast can help to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes and mood swings.
Devon Duvets natural bedding with a white duvet.Devon Duvets natural bedding with a white duvet.

Visit our website for more information on our luxurious 100% British wool soft bedding range. Natural, sustainable and chemical-free, we’ve been individually handcrafting award-winning products with better sleep in mind, for nearly two decades, in our Devon-based workshops.

Ref: Better Health; Sleep Foundation

 

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. While we’ve drawn on reputable sources, we are not medical professionals. If you are experiencing persistent sleep problems or have concerns about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare provider.