It doesn’t signify an issue with your wider health if you find it hard to sleep on your holidays. That’s because there are several influencing factors that might cause you trouble nodding off. For example, sleeping in a new environment is generally linked to lighter sleep, possibly due to an evolutionary design in which our bodies are primed to react when occupying an area we’re unsure of. Even if a hotel is safe and comfortable, your subconscious mind doesn’t see it as a verified safe spot like your home is.
Moreover, you may be jet lagged, and so dealing with a new sleeping schedule that could take a while to acclimate to. If the climate is much warmer than back home, you may be dealing with that adjustment also.
Don’t forget that in addition to this you may have eaten a little more out of indulgence, drank a little and had fun in a late-night bar, or just be flat out over-tired which can ironically limit how well we can sleep.
If you struggle to start sleeping well on vacation, you may find some help with the following advice:
Consider Supplements
Not everyone wants to rely on sleeping tablets or strong prescriptions while they’re away, and that’s understandable. However, there are gentle supplements out there that might help nudge your body toward rest instead of forcing it. Magnesium is a common one, known for helping with muscle tension and calming the system down before bed. There’s also melatonin, a natural hormone we produce to manage sleep, which can be especially helpful when trying to reset after a long flight. Certain CBD products from CBDistillery can relax your nervous system which may help with sleep too. Just make sure you try these at home first to see how you respond, and stick to light doses where possible.
Use Earplugs & Masks
This one sounds simple because it is, but it works. Hotel rooms aren’t always as soundproof as you’d hope, and depending on the location, you might have traffic, lift doors, hallway chatter, or unfamiliar insects chirping outside your window. Light is another issue if it’s not like how you have it at home, as cracks in the curtain or standby lights from TVs and aircon units might distract you. A basic pair of foam earplugs and a comfy eye mask can help you feel much calmer, and the beauty is you can keep them on hand for future trips, too, even if you’re traveling for work or staying at a relative’s place.
Try To Stick To Similar Times
While part of the joy of being on holiday is ignoring the usual productive routine of home, your body will still appreciate having a reliable time to sleep. Going to bed and waking up at roughly the same period each nght, at least within a couple of hours of what you’re used to, can make a big change to how grounded you feel. We’re not going to tell you to be strict or turn in early every night, this is your vacation, but it can help to keep some structure so you’re not throwing your internal clock too far off course.
With this advice, we hope you can feel confident even if you’re struggling to sleep on vacation.
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