Do you struggle to sleep properly when you are away from home? It’s very common to feel like sleep doesn’t come as easily while you are travelling. Whether it’s due to an unfamiliar bed, an interrupted routine, or travel stresses, it can make your trip less enjoyable. Luckily, there are some easy tricks that can help you sleep better while on the go—here are just a few!
If you are heading into a drastically different time zone, you’ll want to spend a few days before leaving adjusting your schedule! Alter your bedtime by an hour each day to get used to the new time you will be heading to bed. Once you arrive, try to jump into the new schedule right away. If you arrive during the daytime, even if it would be nighttime at home, stay up and try to adjust to those new hours! Don’t let yourself nap while the sun is still up.
If you are a passenger, whether by plane, train, car, or any other method of travel, try to sleep during the journey if it’s a long trip. If that is hard for you, make sure you set yourself up for success as much as possible.
Maintain your regular bedtime routine no matter where you are. Bring along your comfort items from home and do whatever you would normally do—this cues your brain to prepare for sleep! Try doing yoga and meditating before bed too to help yourself relax.
When the sun is up, you should be too! Make sure you get as much sunlight as possible within the first hour of your day and spend time outside throughout the day as well. This helps your circadian rhythms to reset properly and will help your body recognize that it is sleep time once darkness comes.
Exercise! Outdoor exercise is especially useful, but any movement throughout the day can help to make your body more tired by the end of the day. If you don’t have time for a dedicated workout, try walking between your destinations so you can still get some movement in.
Make sure you drink enough water each day. Being well-hydrated allows your body to function optimally while you are sleeping, and this promotes a deep, restful sleep. Try also limiting your caffeine intake after noon and watching your alcohol intake as it can interrupt your sleep patterns.
With these tips, you will hopefully be able to enjoy adequate rest on your next adventure. There is one more thing that could be impacting your ability to sleep—planning the trip! Let CAA Trusted Travel Consultants take the stress out of planning, so you can sleep easy and dream up even more adventures. Whether you're traveling near or far, we've got you covered from start to finish—contact us today and rest easy on your next getaway!