Traveling in general puts a toll on the body. While taking a vacation is a good way to put one’s cares aside for a while, it also comes with its own level of stresses. If you’re traveling, it can be very easy to throw your whole system off balance. You might find yourself only half present when it is time for you to really be enjoying yourself, especially if you’re dealing with switching time zones. Here are a few things you can try to make sure that you get enough sleep while away from home so you can get the most out of your travels.
1. Choose Hotels Wisely
What may seem like a good deal for a hotel if you base your decision on price alone. Taking a closer look at the environment a hotel has to offer can make it worthwhile to shell out a few extra bucks. Make sure the hotel is in a quiet place with good mattresses to lay down and straighten your back for the next day run. Check that you get a room that will be conducive to good rest. You’ll be glad you did.
2. Adjust Your Sleep Routine Before You Go
If you’re planning to be traveling into another time zone, prepare your body for the adjustment. If you will be in an earlier time difference, start getting to bed earlier in the day for a few days. Shift your eating habits and routine prior to bedtime as well. This way, your body won’t have as difficult a time adjusting to the new time zone.
3. Stick With The Crowd
Once you land, you’ll probably feel tired, especially if it’s after a long flight, but resist the urge to go straight to bed. Follow the crowd. If people are normally awake at that time of day, then push to stay awake until it is a normal time to go to sleep. If you’re taking an especially long flight, try to get some sleep on the plane. If you’re arrival time is late at night, then try to stay awake and go to sleep when you reach your destination.
4. Bring a Sleep Emergency Pack
The key to good sleep is comfort. You may not find everything you need at your destination so make sure you prepare a sleep emergency pack. If possible, bring your own pillow to use on long drives or long flights. To shut out noise and bright lights, bring along some ear plugs and an eye mask. These can be essential in blocking out unwanted stimuli that may keep you awake at night.
5. Keep Hydrated
Depending on where you’re going, some areas may cause you to become dehydrated. It is important that you drink more water while traveling. In fact, it is a good idea to increase your water intake a few days before your departure. Drinking plenty of fluids will keep your body from your body from becoming groggy when in route and you’ll get a better quality of sleep when you do settle down for a rest.
6. Avoid The Red-Eye
Unless it is necessary try to stay off the red-eye flights. While they usually offer a pretty good deal, your body will usually pay for the difference in other ways. Flying through the night and arriving in the morning can seriously disrupt your sleep pattern. Once you arrive, you’ll be exhausted and stressed, which will keep you from relaxing when you do lie down. Coping with baggage claim, getting transfers, and booking into a hotel will have you too exhausted to be any good for the day, but too wound up to sleep when you need to.
There is nothing that can disrupt your travels more than not being able to sleep. Whether your trip is for work or for play, it is always a good idea to develop a strategy to ensure that you get all the rest you need, when you need it. By applying these few suggestions, you should be able to get that all-important shuteye at the right time so your time away from home will be more enjoyable.