Aiming for Better Sleep When You Travel? Find Out How To Rest Well

• Better sleep during journeys is part of emerging wellness travel trends, like sleep tourism and longevity travel.
• Simple choices, such as good hotel rooms, nutrition and itinerary adjustments, make a big difference to sleep quality.
• The results can be significant, from more memorable trips to long-term health benefits.

For many modern travellers, sleep, balance and recovery are no longer minor details or optional indulgences, but are the foundations of being well. Trips that prioritise sleep form part of longevity travel, an idea that makes travel an integral part of long-term health goals. This level of well-being is not only about health – it is also about improving travel experiences and enjoying moments more. By finding good hotel rooms and tweaking your daily itinerary to enhance sleep, you could elevate both your trip and your well-being. Discover more about the connection between sleep and travel, as well as tips on how to sleep better at night.

In the context of travel and well-being, longevity means making your trip part of an overall healthy lifestyle that continues month after month, year after year. While spa holidays and wellness travel continue to be very popular, the idea has evolved so that wellness isn't only confined to one or two weeks before the stresses of normal life return. Longevity travel looks at the big picture.

These ideas are not only about feeling better. They can have a genuinely beneficial effect on health, as a component of a long-term, holistic investment in wellness. Such trends often result from a better understanding of the interaction between body and mind, such as reducing stress to in turn reduce inflammation.

Sleep tourism, in which rest and relaxation are central to a trip, is a vital element of longevity travel. Holidays that focus on good sleep fit with other wellness travel trends that prioritise mental and physical well-being, such as slow travel. As many people are now realising, slow travel means creating less-packed itineraries, switching driving for trains and bikes, and discovering lesser-known places along the way, all of which makes for more relaxing holidays.

While regular sleep routines (an important part of sleep hygiene) might be disrupted during periods of travel, there are plenty of other methods for achieving better sleep while on the road.

Affordable, high-quality hotels often provide excellent sleep amenities, such as bedside lighting, blackout curtains and hypoallergenic linens. Custom mattresses and pillows help you to get replenishing rest while travelling, and a comfortable temperature provided by air conditioning makes a huge difference.

At Novotel, feel rested when you sleep on soft, smooth linens made from 100% cotton percale, stretched over Live N'Dream Beds that feature PEFC-certified wood bases. These bases have been thoughtfully crafted to minimise movement. Novotel's sleep-friendly environment also includes blackout curtains and soundproofing because a quiet night allows you to sleep more deeply.

It's important to prioritise sleep, but don't sweat it. If you miss a night or two of good sleep due to your itinerary, don't put pressure on yourself to sleep well the next night. In the right environment, it should come naturally.

Good sleep isn't only about nighttime. Things you do throughout the day help keep the body more contented, which leads to better sleep when night falls. Embrace natural light, which leads to restful sleep later in the day. Natural light offers this benefit even in the morning, and according to some studies, especially in the morning. It tells your circadian rhythm (body clock) that daytime has arrived, and it regulates melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle.

Nutrition is vital for maintaining balance while travelling, so try to eat a varied range of natural, healthy foods most days of your trip. Finding a hotel with a good restaurant helps significantly. If your hotel also has wellness facilities, even better, as activities like spa treatments and exercise keep you settled throughout the day, leading to better sleep.

As you get closer to bedtime, avoid stimulants like tea, coffee and alcohol for an hour or two before bed because stimulants sometimes cause restlessness. It's also best to avoid the blue light and mental stimulation that come from digital devices, though listening to music or certain podcasts can help with winding down.

Ideally, stroll on the beach or around town after dinner, but don't do an intense workout. This light exercise is more about digestion and winding down than burning calories. Some cities are magical at night, like Avignon in southeastern France, with illuminated medieval walls and places that make for perfect evening strolls. Novotel Avignon Centre also has a spa area with a sauna and hammam for extra relaxation.

Along with the long-term benefits that better sleep brings, sleeping well allows you to enjoy your trip and get the most from your experience. You'll have the energy to appreciate sightseeing and nature walks. In turn, these activities use up energy and lead to better sleep when you settle down for the evening again.

Satisfying slumber is an essential part of travel recovery after a long journey or busy day, helping you to feel revitalised for the next part of your adventure. By focusing on travel well-being, including effective sleep, nutritious food, wellness treatments and exercise, you can aim for that perfect combination of tranquility and alertness.

In addition, these tips help children to sleep better, which leads to more fulfilling family holidays. At Novotel, it's possible to book spacious family rooms where every bed is designed for rejuvenating sleep.

While long-term health is affected by a wide variety of factors, carefully planned travel can be an essential part of a healthy lifestyle when trips are designed to aid rest, relaxation and wellness.

Business trips and holidays generally have packed itineraries with lots of activities, so building a rest day or two into your schedule will help you maintain balance. If your days are busy, nighttime is your opportunity to focus on rest, which is why good sleep is so important.

Research on sleeping without a pillow is limited, but some studies suggest that avoiding a pillow is a good idea for people who sleep on their stomachs, to reduce strain on the neck. If you tend to sleep on your side or back, it's generally thought that using a pillow is better in order to maintain the natural alignment of the spine.

Some studies suggest that sleeping on your left is better for digestion and could be advisable if you have acid reflux and heartburn. Other research suggests that sleeping on the right side may be better for people with heart conditions, but it's best to consult your doctor about specific conditions.