If you come home exhausted, was it really a vacation? Rest is the new luxury. Here’s why travelers are making sleep the centerpiece of their next vacation.
Vacations are supposed to leave us feeling rested and refreshed. But for many, travel often means jet lag, noisy hotels, and restless nights. New research suggests people are ready to pay extra for trips that actually help them sleep better.
While hotels have long boasted about their ability to offer just this, sleep tourism is far more than high thread count sheets and extensive pillow menus. It’s all about creating a travel experience where improving sleep is at the core, whether that’s a week-long, one-off retreat to learn the art of sleeping well, a medical-led stay where issues are diagnosed and treated, or a relaxing break with daily sleep-inducing spa treatments.
The rise of wellness travel has put sleep at the center of the vacation experience. From high-tech mattresses in hotels to curated “sleep tourism” retreats, the industry is responding to consumer demand.
To better understand why travelers are prioritizing rest, we spoke with Rosie Osmun, a Certified Sleep Science Coach at SleepJunkie.com, for some insights.
“Vacations used to be about indulgence, late nights, busy itineraries, and jet lag. But now, people want experiences that recharge them mentally and physically, and sleep is a big part of that,” says Osmun.
Simple tips to make any vacation more sleep-friendly:
- Choose accommodations wisely: Look for hotels with blackout curtains, quiet zones, or verified noise ratings.
- Stick to a sleep schedule: Try not to deviate more than an hour from your usual bedtime.
- Pack a sleep kit: Include an eye mask, earplugs, and a travel pillow.
- Limit late-night screen time: Phones and tablets can disrupt your body’s melatonin production.
- Hydrate smartly: Stay hydrated but avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime.
“Sleep-focused travel is not just a luxury trend, it’s a wellness necessity. People are realizing that rest is as important as sightseeing or dining when it comes to overall satisfaction. If you return home exhausted, the vacation hasn’t served its purpose. That shift in mindset is pushing the industry to rethink how it markets and designs experiences.” Osmun concluded.
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