In recent years, a new trend in vacation styles has emerged: sleep tourism. With an astounding 58% of people unhappy with their sleep, sleep tourism is one of the many ways individuals are seeking out to improve their sleep. In fact, the Global Wellness Institute listed sleep tourism as one of their top four trends of 2024 when it comes to sleep initiatives. Is a “sleepcation” what you need to get back on track with your sleep? 

What is Sleep Tourism? 

The overarching idea behind sleep tourism is to travel to a new place with the main goal of achieving quality sleep. Because a vacation typically means time away from work, chores, errands, and other day-to-day stressors, it is oftentimes easier for individuals to focus on their sleep quality and habits away from home. Hotels also know that sleep is a top priority for many of their guests, which is why the term “Hotel-Quality Sleep” often correlates to deep, restful, high-quality sleep. 

How to Experience Sleep Tourism

So you’ve decided to become a sleep tourist—now what? In every part of planning your trip, it’s important to remember your main goal of improving sleep quality. While your sleepcation could technically be anywhere, there are also specific hotels, spas, and retreats that cater to sleep tourists by providing specific amenities and packages that focus on improving sleep and relaxation. 

What to Consider when Booking a Sleep Retreat

Your sleep tourism experience can be completely personalized to you. Because the ultimate goal is to focus on improving sleep, many find incorporating other restful activities, such as spa packages or meditation retreats, into their trip is helpful.

However, the main focus is often on the hotel or resort one chooses. If you’re not sure where you want to travel to, explore our list of top destinations for sleep tourism here. While deciding where you may want to stay, you may also want to consider the following: 

Book Multiple Nights

When sleeping away from home, many people can experience what is known as the “first night effect” which oftentimes equates to poorer sleep in an unfamiliar environment. While not everyone experiences this, if your main goal is to improve your sleep, it’s important to stay more than one night away. 

Consider the Impact of Jet Lag

Depending on where you book your trip, it’s important to consider how jet lag might impact your body and your sleep schedule. If you are traveling farther, you may want to consider booking a longer trip to allow your body to recover and your internal clock to reset. It is also important that you give your body a few days to reset upon your arrival back home instead of immediately integrating your normal daily routine. 

For tips on overcoming jet lag and other travel-related sleep impediments, explore Dr. Weil’s blog post on Sleeping While Traveling. 

Cater to Your Sleep Needs 

Consider what helps you fall asleep at home. If you are someone who needs complete silence, booking your sleepcation in a loud, bustling city may not be the best choice for you. If you’re someone who prefers to fall asleep early, consider the quiet hours of the hotel you are choosing. Additionally, review the location’s amenities to know ahead of time the way they cater to specific/personalized sleep needs. 

While some specific hotels and spas may provide amenities such as sleep masks, pillow menus, aromatherapy, air purifiers, and more, you should also pack any items you need to sleep on a nightly basis. Even though you’re away from home, keeping some sense of normalcy can help your sleep quality improve during your retreat. Create your packing list with the help of our 5 Easy-to-Pack Items for a Relaxing Trip.

Keep Yourself Relaxed

While our instinct on a vacation may be to take in the sights and make the most of a new location, it’s important to remember to stay relaxed. If you’re someone who may be tempted to sightsee, consider a location with less pressure to do things. This will allow you to really make the most of relaxation during your trip. It’s also important to continue basic sleep hygiene habits during your sleepcation. 

Quick Ways to Improve Your Sleep at Home

Need to improve your sleep but aren’t up for a full sleep vacation? Beyond following healthy sleep habits, ensuring your bedding is catered specifically to your sleep wellness is a great way to treat yourself to more restful sleep. 

When looking for premium bedding that can provide that “Hotel-Quality Sleep” you’re searching for, consider the following products:

• Cooling bedding: Ensure you’re sleeping at an ideal temperature (around 62°-67°F) with bedding that includes special cooling properties.
• Sheets that fit: Achieve undisrupted sleep with sheets and pillowcases that are not only comfortable but also stay in place all night long.
• Supportive and adaptable pillows: Find a pillow that offers the support and comfort level you need. Reversible/customizable pillows are a great place to start.
• Multiple layers: Add extra layers to your bed that you can easily add or remove to find your ideal sleep temperature and comfort level.

 Applying these changes to your sleep space will not only provide you with a restful staycation but can also help to improve your sleep every night.