Holidays often guarantee the rest and relaxation you’ve been longing for. No blaring alarms or screaming kids. Lounging by the pool, or sunbathing at the beach are just some of the few things travellers look forward to.
But new research from Simba reveals: 72% of Brits say their sleep was so bad, it ruined their trip. Instead of that restful vacation, travellers are so exhausted they miss out on activities and excursions. They are easily irritated and when arriving home are even more exhausted than when they went away.
But these zero-cost sleeping hacks for travelling provided by experts will make sure travellers are guaranteed that well-rested holiday they have been asking for.
In particular, women and younger travellers are hit the most, with over 60% of women struggling to fall asleep when sleeping in a new place, and a 1/3 of under-35s returning home just as tired as they were before.
The Sleep Charity, Simba’s charity partner’s Deputy CEO, Lisa Artis says that women are more affected by changes in their sleep setting, it can vary from smells, or strange noises, and curtains letting light in. “These things might seem small, but they all chip away at rest. And women tend to be more sensitive to them.”
Lisa continues: “It’s not just about how long you sleep. It’s about the quality, and the conditions, and too often, those conditions are harder for women.”
Not only are travellers’ sleep ruined, but also their mood. A third of 18 to 24-year-olds admitted they had argued with who they travelled with due to their tiredness.
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Lisa says the reasons younger travellers are facing worse effects than older ones is because of overstimulation and inconsistent sleep routines. “Younger people are more likely to stay up late, scroll in bed, drink more, or push through tiredness. It adds up quickly. By the time they realise, they’re running on empty.”
When you compare the stats, 31% of 18 to 34-year-olds say they come back from holiday just as tired as when they left. This is in comparison to just 13% of over-55s.
Lisa explains why: “Older travellers are more likely to prioritise rest. They take a book, stick to a wind-down routine, and avoid overstimulating themselves. Younger people often see sleep as something they can sacrifice, but that backfires.”
These smart hacks are backed by Simba and The Sleep Charity and can ensure you have a more pleasant sleep when on your travels:
People often do not know this, but trouser hangers with spring clips that are in the wardrobe work perfectly for blocking early morning light. If you do not have any, then hair grips work too.
Lisa says: “Even the thinnest silver of dawn light tells your brain it’s morning. Shut it out, and melatonin keeps flowing.”
If the ticking bedside clock is driving you insane, all it needs is a clean sock over it to muffle the noise. Play white, pink or brown noise through your phone to block out outside noise. “Your ears stay alert even while you sleep. Muffling sharp sounds and adding a steady hum helps stop every bang or tick from snapping you awake.”
If you are travelling across different time zones, then it is important to get the natural morning light as soon as you wake up. Sleep with curtains open in quiet places, or just go outside within the first hour of the morning. Lisa explains how our “internal clocks rely on light cues.” “Getting 10 – 15 minutes of natural sunlight first thing can help reset your sleep-wake rhythm faster than any supplement.”
Before booking your hotel, find out the type of mattress the hotel uses, whether it’s firm or soft, memory foam or hybrid. It might be a bit odd or demanding, but that can make or break your sleep if you are someone who requires a good mattress to sleep well.
Over two in five Brits (42%) say they struggle to sleep properly on airplanes, and often when arriving to the destination are already tired and drained. Three in ten Brits say a bad hotel mattress has ruined the entirety of their trip.
Simba has their own multi-award-winning Hybrid mattress and has launched the Contract Range so guests can sleep just as well when away as they do at home.
