There's nothing like traveling to disrupt your sleep schedule. Even for the best sleepers, dealing with time changes, uncomfortable or unfamiliar beds, or too-bright lights can leave you exhausted and stressed when all you want to do is relax and have fun.
Here are five of our top tips for getting optimal sleep while you're away from home.
1. Make a plan to beat jet lag
Dealing with exhaustion from jet lag can ruin any trip. How many times have you been too tired to keep your eyes open during dinner, or lay awake in your hotel bed all night long, unable to sleep?
The best way to deal with jet lag is to make a plan ahead of time, in the week or two before you leave for vacation. Start by setting your alarm clock 20 mins earlier or later each morning, depending on the time zone of where you're traveling to. Start acclimatizing your body to your new vacation time a little bit each day and by the time you've arrived you'll at least have a head start.
When you're on the plane, try to get as much sleep as possible, no matter what the time is in your home country. Instead of watching movies, put on your noise-cancelling headphones and a light-blocking sleep mask, close your eyes, and try to get as much rest as possible. Keeping things as dark as possible can trick your body into thinking it's nighttime, so you can hopefully get some shut-eye during the flight.
Our 100% Silk Sleep Mask is designed to block out all light and induce a state of total darkness, perfect for catching some zzz's on the plane.
2. BYOP (bring your own pillow)
To get the ultimate sleep - both on and off of the plane - make sure you're investing in a great travel pillow. We're not talking those styrofoam-filled donuts you can buy at the airport - those can leave you with neck and back pain far worse than any jet lag.
A good travel pillow is not just an investment in comfort during your plane ride; it's a guarantee of great quality sleep no matter where you go. Short term rentals are especially notorious for skimping on quality bedding, which means sleeping on lumpy, rock-hard pillows (hello, neck and back pain).
Plan for comfort by bringing your own high-quality travel pillow that's easily foldable and can be packed in your carry-on. Not only it is an essential for sleeping on the plane, but you can lay your travel pillow on top of any other sleeping pillow on your bed for an added layer of support and protection.
Our Travel Pillow is filled with 8 oz. of pure white goose down. Portable, easy to fold, and comes with a convenient zippered carry case.
Our Travel Pillow comes with a removable pillowcase, which means your pillow is guaranteed to be fresh and clean when you're on the road. Bonus: the pillow case will smell like your home (which your brain associates with comfort and security), which could help you to get a better night's sleep.
3. The right travel clothes are crucial
One element you might be overlooking when it comes to great travel sleep? Your clothes. Clothes that are loose-fitting, comfortable, and made from natural fibres will always help you to get your best sleep ever, whether you're sleeping on a plane or in a bed.
Look for loungewear or comfy sweats made from natural and sustainable fibres like cotton, bamboo, and tencel. Clothing made from these fibres are breathable, temperature-regulating, and naturally wick away sweat, all factors that contribute to great sleep. They're perfect for keeping warm in an airport or cool at night, no matter where you are in the world.
Our After Work Sweatsuit is made from eco-friendly cotton & bamboo. It's loose-fitting enough to help you rest comfortably on the plane but stylish enough for you to feel pulled-together, no matter where your adventures take you.
4. Make a blanket statement
One common reason that people struggle to sleep while on vacation? Worries about the cleanliness of their sleep space. Thinking about how thoroughly the room has been cleaned or about previous guests' stays can lead to anxiety, which can lead to insomnia.
Put your mind at ease and eliminate all worries about your hotel bedding by bringing your own portable blanket or travel duvet. Our Down Travel Throw is easily packable in your suitcase or carry-on bag. Filled with 100% pure white duck down, this travel blanket comes with a removable cover and is great as a blanket for your bed, a cozy wrap for the plane, or just for cuddling on the couch at home.
Down Travel Throw in Slate
5. Bring home with you
No matter how beautiful your accommodations are, they’re still not home - and your body knows it. In unfamiliar environments, your brain stays on high alert, making it harder to fully relax and get a good night’s sleep.
To ease into rest, surround yourself with familiar sights and scents. Pack small, comforting items like a photo frame from your nightstand or a favourite knickknack. Scent is especially powerful—use a candle, pillow mist, or linen water at home in the weeks leading up to your trip, then bring it with you. Because scent is closely linked to memory, familiar fragrances can help your mind unwind and promote deeper, more restful sleep.
To take things up a notch, look for a room spray or hand cream that contains lavender - this floral scent is scientifically proven to help you get a better night's sleep.
