6 Tips for Getting Enough Sleep When You’re Travelling
One of the reasons people love to travel is to experience the thrill of getting to their destinations. They get a sense of adventure when travelling from point A to B, and even though they may face several challenges, there’s always some fun to be had because of the great memories they’ll make along the way.
However, not everyone shares the same level of enthusiasm when it comes to travelling. People who don’t particularly enjoy travelling often think about the many inconveniences and discomforts that they might endure during the trip. Lack of sleep is one of them, and it could occur for different reasons. Jet lag, an uncomfortable plane or train ride, and travel anxiety are among the most common culprits.
If you don’t feel fully rested when you’re travelling, you may not be able to fully appreciate your trip because you feel too stressed, groggy, or drained to be in the moment. To help you stay in peak physical and emotional condition—and, as a result, enjoy your trip more—here are six things you can do to get enough sleep while you’re travelling.
Wear and Pack Comfy Clothing
It’s natural for you to fall asleep faster and achieve deeper sleep when you feel comfortable. That’s why it’s a good idea to wear and bring comfy clothing when travelling. Loose-fitting clothes and garments made from breathable fabrics can help your body relax, which makes them ideal for your departure days. When you’re wearing them, you may not need to wait too long to fall asleep, even when you’ve got a long flight or train ride ahead.
Wearing high-quality women sleepwear, on the other hand, can help you feel more accustomed to staying in your lodgings since a good set of pyjamas can make you feel right at home. Don’t leave home without your comfiest pair.
Bring Items That Can Help You Sleep
Aside from comfortable clothes, it’s also in your best interest to pack other items that can help you sleep better. Ear plugs and sleep masks, for example, can block out the light and noise that often interrupts you from your slumber while you’re in transit. You can also bring a portable speaker and use it to play soft music, gentle rain sounds, or white noise to help you sleep in the hotel.
Taking a melatonin supplement can also help you fall asleep as it aids your body to prepare for rest. However, be advised that non-prescription sleep aid melatonin supplements are not a cure-all for jet lag and travel fatigue. They should only be used to ease the symptoms of short-term sleep problems.
Incorporate Some Exercise into Your Travel Routine
Getting some exercise while travelling can help you get better sleep. When you start the day with morning stretches or a quick walk, your body’s rhythm won’t get off-balanced, and you’ll have an easier time maintaining your sleep cycle. It’s recommended to exercise outside when there’s light out. Sunlight can help you stay awake during the day and reduce insomnia when travelling.
Try to Eat Healthy Even When Travelling
Although travelling lets you experience food from different cultures, it’s not a good idea to overindulge. Eating heavy meals will make you feel sluggish and fatigued, and those sensations might throw off your sleep schedule when you travel.
To help you avoid falling asleep at the wrong time, seek out food that will nourish and fuel you. You should also drink caffeine and alcohol in moderation since these beverages can affect the quality of your sleep. When you’re more mindful of what you’re eating and drinking, you’re helping your body maintain its natural rhythm. As a result, you’ll have an easier time falling asleep and getting a full night’s rest each day that you’re travelling.
Get Some Shut Eye When You Can
If your schedule requires you to travel a lot, do your best to get some shut-eye when you can. Inserting a nap or two while in transit can definitely help you feel energized during your trip. Take the opportunity to get some sleep during a long layover or a long-distance flight or train ride.
Make Sure You’re Well-Rested Before You Travel
It’s normal to have difficulty sleeping before your trip, especially when your excitement or anxiety is keeping you awake. However, depriving yourself of sleep a day or two before you’re set to travel will mess up your body’s circadian rhythm. You’ll want to be fully rested as much as possible before travelling, as this allows you to maintain your sleep schedule and feel less stressed on the day of your departure.
Travelling is a fun and exciting way to see the world, but you won’t get as much out of the experience if you don’t get enough quality sleep. Rest is important when travelling because it gives you the energy to explore the destination you’re visiting—and, ultimately, be in the right mood to take everything in.