With almost 1 in 5 people not getting enough sleep in the UK, it's pretty safe to say that we're on the verge of a sleep crisis. Whether it's due to financial worries, life's challenges, social issues, or an illness, there are numerous reasons why someone may struggle to get the rest they need.
Not only is it stressful not to get enough sleep, but it's also detrimental to your health. Being sleep deprived comes with serious health risks, with a higher chance of experiencing high blood pressure, strokes, or depression, as well as having a knock-on effect on your professional and personal life. Someone who hasn't had enough sleep won't be able to focus as well as someone who has, which leads to mistakes and forgetfulness.
While you can combat sleep deprivation with better sleep hygiene, investing in a new mattress, or consulting your GP, there are also other ways people try to improve their sleep, including sleep tourism. But what is sleep tourism, and can it actually help?
What does sleep tourism mean?
While it might sound like you're going to visit far-off places in your dreams, sleep tourism is actually closer to real-life tourism, with a focus on relaxation and sleep. Holidays represent a break from your routine and offer an opportunity to relax without the worry of daily problems, such as bills or work. However, a familiar refrain people have is that they feel like they need another holiday to recover from the one they've just taken.
Sleep tourism is all about embracing this and seeking it out, rather than having it be an accidental addition. It's about seeking out hotels that are renowned for their extra-comfortable pillows, luxuriously plush mattresses, and high-thread-count bedding that feels luxurious, allowing you to doze off without a care in the world. Many people attempt to replicate this feeling at home with pillow-top mattresses or extravagant hotel-style beds. Still, the reality is that there's no proper replacement for the experience in an actual hotel room!
With society becoming increasingly fast-paced and the desire to do everything possible, holidays can often be just as stressful as our everyday lives. However, sleep tourism is all about taking a step back from this and focusing on what's truly important – relaxation.
What makes it sleep tourism instead of a normal holiday?
Both sleep tourism and traditional tourism require one thing in particular: staying in a hotel away from home. But unlike your regular trip to Tenerife or a city break to Prague, a sleep tourism holiday will focus on staying at that hotel. That means you'll likely do more research on hotels than on the actual location (though we're sure that's also a benefit), as you'll want to ensure your chosen hotel has all the amenities you need to achieve the ultimate in peace.
This could be achieved by simply choosing a location renowned for its comfortable beds, or by incorporating a spa-like experience. Many hotels around the world also feature spas, swimming pools, and more, capitalising on the increasing trend towards wellness and sleep, with many offering specially curated 'relaxation breaks'. Luxury hotel chain Hilton reports that over one in four travellers book spa or wellness treatments while on holiday.
So, whilst you're still on holiday in a new place, you're there for the sleep benefits and not the sightseeing!
What are the best places to go for sleep tourism?
The travel industry has taken note, with sleep-focused holidays becoming a big trend. Travel company Kayak found that over a third of Brits have relaxation at the top of their travel plans, so it's understandable that the industry has started to cater to this increasingly popular trend. Some companies may offer package holidays specifically designed to provide the ultimate in relaxation, featuring breaks that incorporate spa treatments, blissful beaches, or refreshing meditation courses.
However, some places are considered better for sleep tourism than others due to their tourist-friendliness, air quality, and other factors. Before anyone starts immediately booking things, it's essential to consider the following factors:
- Travel stress: Some people travel exceptionally well and can keep on the move frequently. These types of people can often thrive on the chaos of travel, whereas others will struggle with the stress it causes. Travelling means making sure you sort out where you're going, what time you need to be there, and if you're travelling internationally, then you need to keep your passport on you at all times!
- Jetlag: Travelling large distances quickly can cause havoc on your circadian rhythm, which leads to the dreaded jetlag. This can lead to difficulty sleeping, changes in your mood, fatigue and more. Not something you want to experience when you're on holiday, and the farther you travel, the more likely you are to experience jet lag!
- Changes in your environment: The benefit of travelling is that you get to experience a new place, but this can also be overwhelming. If you're someone who struggles with new things, and hotels can be louder, different temperatures and more, then you might want to reconsider booking a trip to New York City, for example.
Before booking anywhere, you'll need to conduct thorough research and determine what's best for you. These can include:
Where do you want to go?
Deciding to take a trip to Kyoto to experience traditional Japanese onsen and delicious food is one thing, but you need to remember that it's quite a distance away. If you don't travel well, consider places closer to home in Europe that have shorter travel times. Vilnius in Lithuania have clean air and plenty of green spaces, or maybe try a Finnish spa in Helsinki.
Don't forget about the places close to home, with lots of great options in the UK for relaxing destinations. The Lake District has been a beloved destination for a long time, with everyone from Beatrix Potter to Taylor Swift enjoying the beauty and tranquillity the Lakes offer. A bonus is that no planes are required; this is even better for those who dislike flying.
What time of year do you want to go?
Although sleepcations have a primary focus on the bed and any other amenities that enhance relaxation, it's essential to consider the time of year. Summer in Seoul, for example, is exceptionally hot and humid, whereas winter in Norway can be bone-chilling cold. As lovely as it would be to stay in your hotel all the time, we think you should try to get out at least a few times to experience your host location for a little while.
How much do you want to spend?
Holidays can be expensive, especially when you want to take the family along. Deciding on your budget will be the ultimate factor in determining where you can relax, and there are several factors to consider when incorporating sleep tourism, in particular. Plane tickets to Hawaii are expensive, and staying in luxury hotels only adds to that cost.
Still, if you budget carefully, then you'll be able to get the ultimate relaxing holiday of your dreams. Save up for the bigger holidays to make them more of a treat, or spend a little but often with UK-based spa retreats. Many hotels worldwide offer additional treatments, with some curating packages that cater specifically to this travel trend. Of course, this can be a little pricey, as the cost of those extra features will be incorporated. But can you really put a price on good health and better sleep?
