Traveling and going on vacation can be fun and relaxing, but not if you have trouble falling asleep at night. According to a 2013 study by the National Sleep Foundation, the majority of American adults are more comfortable sleeping in their own beds than sleeping away from home. In fact, many people seem to have trouble sleeping when they’re on the road, a factor that can ruin an otherwise relaxing vacation. Whether you are at home in your own bed or traveling across the country, getting enough sleep is very important. If you find that you just can’t fall asleep while traveling, here are some tips that might help.
Look for “Sleep Threats”
Whenever you prepare to sleep in an unfamiliar place, the first thing you should do is look for “sleep threats.” A sleep threat is anything that could disrupt your sleep, especially if it something that isn’t found in your usual sleeping quarters. Blinds or curtains that won’t completely close, noises coming from a hotel elevator or a room that is too hot or too cold are all examples of sleep threats.
You may not have total control over things like noises in the hallway or an elevator, but you’d be surprised by how much you can change to ensure that you don’t have a sleepless night. Your blinds or curtains should close all the way, so inform the hotel staff if they do not. If you can adjust the temperature of your room, try to keep it in the 50s or the upper 60s, the ideal temperature for sleeping. You shouldn’t be able to hear much from the hallway or surrounding rooms, so inform the hotel staff if your sleep is disturbed by noise.
Make a Hotel Room Feel Like Home
The biggest reason why people have trouble sleeping when they travel is because they don’t feel comfortable sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings. If you have this problem, try bringing small things that remind you of home. This could be anything from a picture that you usually keep at your bedside to a special pillow that you always have with you when you sleep. As long as you can easily travel with it, feel free to take it with you if it will help you sleep through the night.
Stick to your Routine
Depending on where you are staying, keeping a routine will help you to maintain your regular sleep schedule. For example, don’t change your workout schedule too drastically while you’re away from home. Your body is used to a certain schedule and routine, so exercising too soon before bed or too early can throw everything off.
Avoid Alcohol Before Bedtime
A lot of people are under the impression that alcohol helps them sleep easier, but all it does is help you fall asleep. When it comes to actually staying asleep, drinking alcohol is a horrible choice, as its effects will only wake you up in the middle of the night.
While sleeping comfortably when away from home can be hard for some people, too much trouble falling asleep could be a sign of a sleep disorder. If you feel like you are having problems sleeping, Apnix Sleep Diagnostics may be able to help you. Contact their Houston office today to find out more about sleep studies and other services.
This article was contributed on behalf of Apnix Sleep Diagnostics, your number one choice when looking for various methods of sleep apnea testing in Houston. Check out their website today and see how they can help you!
