“IT WAS FUN. NOW I NEED an ‘after- vacation vacation’ to relax!” Who has not felt this after going on a fun but physically draining vacation that involved long flights, jet lag, extensive sight-seeing, disruption in normal sleep patterns, and sleeping in an unfamiliar bed and environment? Your next vacation does not have to leave you feeling drained and tired if you take a sleep-tourism vacation.
Sleep tourism is an increasingly popular activity. In sleep tourism, a person visits a place that has activities and/or provides an environment that is conducive to relaxation. A sleeptourism destination may include relaxing activities such as yoga, meditation, and massage, as well as provide individualized sleep recommendations to help improve a tourist’s sleep habits and overall well-being.
Many wellness resorts, spas, and retreat centers offer sleep tour packages. Some hotels now offer advanced sleep-promoting features (e.g., temperature- adjusting mattresses) that go beyond simple amenities such as masks, blackout shades, and comfortable pillows.
A person’s normal sleep habits are often disrupted while on vacation, which can contribute to post-vacation fatigue. By prioritizing the quality of sleep during your vacation, you can enhance your vacation experience, the benefits of which will continue after your vacation.
Tips to find sleep-tourism packages
Below are tips for finding a sleeptour package and planning a sleeptour: 1. Do an online search using keywords such as “sleep-tourism packages,” “sleep retreats,” or “sleep wellness vacations” to research sleep-friendly destinations such as sites famous for their tranquil environments (e.g., nature retreats, spa resorts, or wellness retreat centers). While researching, consider factors at a destination such as ambient noise levels, air quality, access to relaxing natural landscapes; sleep-promoting features such as a smart mattress (i.e., a mattress embedded with technology that can track your sleep, adjust the firmness and temperature of the mattress to your comfort), blackout curtains, aromatherapy, and soundproofing; and whether a destination provides specialized sleep programs or sleep-focused rooms.
2. Contact travel agencies that specialize in wellness or health tourism.
3. Contact hotels and resorts in your desired destination and ask about sleep-promoting programs or sleep-tourism packages they offer. Some hotels/resorts work with sleep experts or wellness professionals as sleep consultants who can counsel you about your sleep.
4. Visit online sites such as TripAdvisor or Yelp, or visit specialized wellness forums to read reviews, recommendations, and testimonials from travelers who have experienced sleep-focused retreats or vacations.
Tips to plan and enjoy a sleep tourism vacation 1. Include relaxing activities (e.g., nature walk, spa treatment, massage treatment) in your schedule. Calming activities can help your body and mind prepare for a restful sleep.
2. Include mindfulness practices in your schedule such as breathing exercises, guided-meditation sessions, or mindfulness-based stress-reduction activities. Mindfulness lessens your focus on the external environment and can improve the sense of well-being.
3. Disconnect from electronic/digital devices or at least avoid exposure to tablets, computer monitors, etc. one hour or more before going to bed. The screens of digital devices emit blue light, which lessens the production of the sleep-promoting hormone melatonin, thereby promoting wakefulness 4. Focus on self-care during your sleep-tourism vacation. For example, if you feel physically tired, be willing to adjust your plans or activities to accommodate your physical health.
Below are two examples of sleep-tourism destinations. The first destination offers activities and an environment that is conducive to relaxation, whereas the second destination provides rooms that are designed to promote better sleep during your stay.
• Mountain Shadows Resorts (Paradise Valley, AZ) Serene Slumber Program https://www.mountainshadows. com/resort/events/sleep-package
• JW Marriott Tampa Water Street (Tampa, FL) Stay Well Rooms https://www.marriott.com/en-us/ hotels/tpajd-jw-marriott-tampa- water-street/overview
Regina Patrick, RPSGT, RST, is a freelance writer/editor and a registered sleep technologist. She has been involved in the sleep field for more than 30 years ✲
