We’ve all been there – meticulously planning the perfect gateway or gearing up for a business trip with our bags packed (brimming with excitement) to explore a new city or perhaps a country. But, once we reach our destination and kick-back on our cozy bed to drift off to a well-deserved blissful slumber, sleep evades us. Instead, we find ourselves staring at the ceiling and counting sheep! For years, research has been conducted to decipher why sleep is such an enigma during travelling. In this article, we will explore why does catching a simple good night’s sleep turns into an epic conquest rather than a relaxing retreat.
Behind the scenes of sleep deprivation
Research indicates that our brain is wired to stay on guard whenever it finds itself in new surroundings. Although it is a crucial evolutionary trait when we used to hunt back in the days, in today’s era, the landscape has evolved completely. Something as small as sleeping in a new room is perceived as a threat which keeps you always alert. This is the primary reason why you might be facing sleep issues in an unfamiliar place.
Many people carry sleep-inducing items like pillows, eye masks, and sleep gummies to get good sleep. But, understanding the root cause for those sleepless nights is the first step to truly grasping what’s happening behind the scenes. So, let’s quickly explore some other causes of poor sleep during travel.
Fatigue
Although it often goes unnoticed, travel can drain you mentally and physically. Some common symptoms to look out for are exhaustion, sleep loss, & headaches. There are also a few factors that contribute to travel fatigue and loss of sleep significantly.
– Fear of flying or fear of heights
– Trip anxiety
– Stress related with arriving on time, packing, and other logistical challenges
– Lengthy travel days
– Delays, interruptions, or any last-minute change in the itinerary
– Motion sickness
– Inability to sleep while traveling
– Pressurized cabins making you feel claustrophobic
– Sitting at a single position for far too long
Jet lag
A person’s ‘circadian window’ is the ideal time period where the body demands sleep, ideally between 11 pm to 7 am. Sudden changes in this window can wreak havoc on your sleep and affect your motor functions. This is the primary reason why millions of travellers experience jet leg so easily. Even when you cross three or four different zones in long-distance flights, your body stays anchored in your original circadian rhythm. This is the reason why you might experience a phenomenon like ‘jet leg’ that can trigger symptoms like poor concentration, impaired physical or mental performance, daytime sleepiness, impaired immune function, & gastrointestinal problems. Jet leg can last anywhere between a few days to weeks easily – ruining your trip and putting you in a foul mood.
Uncomfortable Sleep Settings
Often known as the ‘first-night effect,’ studies have demonstrated that people feel restless and alert in an unfamiliar setup. Uncomfortable mattresses, constant noise & disturbances, excess lights, constant interruptions, and stress are some of the symptoms of uncomfortable sleep settings. It is extremely important to relax in a cozy and warm setup where you can let your hair down.
Diet changes
While travelling is ideally meant for relaxing on a sunny beach, it can just as fast lead to frequent trips down to washrooms. During our trips, we are more inclined to eat heavy meals and relish our favorite beverage at any given random time. To top it off, there is no room for exercising whatsoever. Result? You end up feeling bloated and wide awake at night when you are supposed to doze off and rejuvenated to take on the next day!
Hacks to get good night’s sleep while travelling
Getting good sleep while travelling isn’t an enigma as it feels like. With some precautions and due diligence, you can doze off to a peaceful slumber. Here are some tips that help in catching you some quality ZZZzzz’s.
Strategize your sleep (in advance)
Once you lock in your destination, the first thing you should research is the time difference. Understand the time gap and start shuffling around your sleep schedule 3 days in advance. Move around your bedtime by 1 to 3 hours basis the time difference. Studies show that it can take up to 2 days to get acclimated to a new time zone. So, prepare in advance so that when you land at your destination, your circadian rhythm can be in sync with the new surroundings.
Flow like water (locally)
Once you land at your destination, try to sync up with the local schedule. For example, if you are landing during the day, your next step should be to stay awake and explore a few places closer to your accommodation. Don’t give in to your body’s natural instinct to rest. You might feel lethargic initially but from the next day onwards, your circadian rhythm will, more or less, be in sync with your new surroundings.
Let your body move
Long journeys often box in your movement and freedom to move around. So, try doing as much physical activity as possible when you are on the go. You can walk around at the airport, stretch your legs from time to time on flights (when it is okay to move around), take pit stops if you are travelling by road, or simply explore the destination before you call it a night. These are small but effective activities that can help your muscles flex and give your body the signal that it is a good time to sleep.
Consistency is key
All of us have a routine that we follow right before bedtime. Over time, this routine turns into a habit where our body indicates the brain to wind down and go to sleep. It could be as small as reading, meditating, or listening to calming music before bed. The choice is yours.
Next time when you travel, follow the exact routine you follow when you are at home. These night-time rituals can make your mind feel comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. Every small step counts and puts you in a better position to get quality sleep at night so that the next day you can explore the city or work with a rejuvenated mind.
Manage stress (at any cost)
Stress hormones spike the cortisol levels in your body and interfere with your sleep cycle. So, make sure once you arrive at your accommodation, you take some time out to unwind and relax. Engage in short mindfulness session, meditation, muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or simply draw a warm bath. Whatever helps you calm down, do that! How will it help? Your body’s innate fight-or-flight response will deactivate, and it will put you automatically in a relaxed state of mind.
Think sleep, think supplements
Trusting in the right supplement can do wonders for your sleep during trips. It can induce natural sleep without causing any sort of side effects – helping you get quality sleep at night. Enter three60 Sound Sleep gummies! It is one of the best supplements that is meant to be your travel buddy. The gummies are melatonin-free, non-habit-forming, free from artificial additives, and safe for regular use. They contain clinically proven ingredients like KSM-66 Ashwagandha and L-theanine that help you sleep faster, deeper, and longer.
The final verdict
Travelling is a cathartic experience where your mind and body will feel completely rejuvenated. There is no reason to let sleep deprivation dictate how your trip will be. So, take active measures and keep these tips in handy so that you can be truly prepared for your trips and be in charge of the situation. Get your good night’s sleep, explore the city the way you want to, and go crazy on the food, but don’t forget to carry your best travel partner for quality sleep – three60 Sound Sleep gummies.
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