Why is it hard to sleep while traveling?
Nothing disrupts vacation plans more than a bad night’s sleep. Yet, according to a study by IHG Hotels & Resorts in 2019, insomnia is very common during the holidays. One in five people sleep poorly away from home. (And that was before the wave of post-pandemic return travel anxiety…)
“Studies have consistently shown that people sleep less well during the first night of being away from familiar surroundings,” says Dr. Kent Smith, former president of theAmerican Sleep and Breathing Academy and Founding Director of the Sleep Clinic Sleep Dallas.
A study published in Current Biology identifies a common cause, as researchers have discovered the triggering of an evolutionary response to a change in the environment. Half of the brain can stay on the alert when you sleep, watching for any possible danger. This explains why, even if you slept, you find yourself more lethargic the next day, despite a quiet night. Dr. Smith adds that jet lag, temperature, mattress and exposure to light aggravate sleep disturbances.
According to Bruce D. Forman, a psychologist specializing in insomnia, even following that first night away from home, changes in usual activities can affect the sleep cycle. He explains that “we are beings of habit”, and that sudden changes in daily rhythm and diet can confuse the body, disturb sleep and cause repeated nocturnal awakenings.
This frustrating disruption of sleep quality is normal, it is not unavoidable. Sleep experts give us these tips for getting better sleep on your next getaway.
How to sleep better while traveling
“As much as possible, follow your regular bedtime routine to maintain good sleep hygiene when you’re away from home,” says Dr. Smith. Experts also point out these strategies for getting a good night’s sleep outside your home. See how long a nap should last, according to a neuroscientist.
