Sleep Tips

How often have you come home sleep deprived after your holiday travel? You want a holiday just to recover from your holiday. Here are some tips that might help you get forty more winks. 

Try to bring with you the creature comforts that signal sleep to your brain.

If you sleep with a fan for white noise, pack a fan. If you can’t, ask if your hosts have a fan you can use. If not, pack ear plugs. Experiment with different brands before you go so you like the ear plugs you bring. Bring a back up pair in case you lose one.

Pack your own pillow and pillowcase. If you can’t bring your pillow, bring your pillowcase.

If you typically have a bed time snack, pack one, to ensure one is available. 

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Pack hot and cold pyjamas so you can sleep, no matter how hot or cold your hosts keep their house. 

Pack some sleepy time tea. Pack your favorite bubble bath/ shower gel. Give yourself some time to wind down before bed. Little rituals like making tea or having a bath/ shower tell your brain it’s time to settle. 

Pack an eye mask.  If there are light sources in your sleeping space, this will block them out so your brain can make the maximum amount of melatonin, to help you sleep. 

Pack a little flashlight so you don’t have anxiety about getting up in the night in strange surroundings. You’ll be more relaxed if you’re not worried about waking your hosts by crashing about.

 If possible, go to bed when you need to go to bed. Try not to ‘people please’ by trying to stay up late. You will be at your best and most enjoyable when you are well rested. 

It can be hard to sleep away from home. Honor that. Remember that since you were willing to leave the comfort of your bed and home, you have enabled your host to sleep/ stay in theirs.

If you need some downtime or alone time throughout the visit, take it. If you have to, feign bathroom breaks and take your time in there, decompressing. Breaks throughout the business or drama of the day will help you keep things in perspective emotionally. 

Be honest. Should you get a hotel room?  If you can afford one, consider it, even if it’s for only one night of the visit.  If you need an excuse, tell your hosts that the hotel stay is a gift.  It is – it’s a gift of a better sleep and therefore, a better visit.

Most of all, relax. The definition of relaxing is to let go of tension and to let go of anxiety. Relaxing also means resting and seeking enjoyment. What better time than the holidays? 

-Cherise  #TherapieThursday