A seasoned traveler has perfected a method to ensure a restful night’s sleep while staying in hotels, revealing a simple yet effective trick.
Alexandra Dubakova, a well-traveled expert from FreeTour who has explored over 30 countries, constantly finds herself on the go. Despite the allure of jet-setting, travelers often face challenges, especially when it comes to sleeping in unfamiliar hotel rooms.
Factors like different bedding, unfamiliar sounds from the elevator, and room temperature variations can disrupt sleep for those accustomed to their home comforts. Fortunately, Alexandra has a solution that can aid in achieving a peaceful night’s rest.
She shared her technique with the Mirror, stating, “Dealing with changing time zones, battling jet lag, and the annoying streak of light filtering through hotel curtains can be a nightmare. I always utilize the hangers from the hotel room closet to secure the curtains tightly closed. This creates a blackout effect in the room, ensuring I can rest well regardless of the time zone.”
Sherry Martin Peters, an experienced flight attendant, also offered a similar piece of advice to combat sleep disturbances while traveling. She mentioned carrying rolls of black electrical tape to cover light sources that can disrupt sleep, emphasizing the importance of creating a pitch-dark environment for optimal rest.
The struggle to get a good night’s sleep in hotels is a common issue faced by many travelers. Research published in Tourism and Hospitality Research in 2020 revealed that only one in three travelers reported being satisfied with their sleep quality while on the road.
Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep expert hired by Hilton and affiliated with Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, shared her insights on achieving quality sleep during travel with National Geographic. She emphasized the significance of finding familiarity in unfamiliar surroundings to aid relaxation, highlighting the challenges of unwinding in new environments.
To help ease the transition into sleep, Dr. Robbins suggested using scents with positive connotations or replicating bedtime routines from home. By incorporating familiar smells and routines, travelers can signal to their brains that it is time to rest, potentially improving the quality of sleep while away from home.
