15 Tips for Getting a Good Night’s Sleep in a Hotel
You spend so much time planning the perfect getaway, but it’s not so perfect when you’re wide awake at 3 am. Talk about frustrating! Those nights can be endless and makes me want to throw something. So, what can you do to ensure you get a good night’s sleep in a hotel? Here are 15 tips:
Before you get to the hotel:
CHOOSE YOUR ROOM WISELY
Not all rooms are created equally so don’t be afraid to make some requests. You may want to avoid rooms that are on the first floor, or near elevators, ice machines, or housekeeping closets.
PACK A PILLOW
If you know me you know I’ve been on the search for the perfect pillow for year. (Still haven’t found it…. gggrrrrrr) If you’re picky about your pillow choice, you may want to bring your own. Thick, hard pillows or thin deflated ones may be your neck’s worse nightmare.
GET SHADY
Nothing is worse than planning on sleeping in, when suddenly a ray of sunshine pierces your eyes at 6 am! Most rooms have light block shades, but an eye mask takes up almost no room in your bag, so you may want to bring on. It is better to be safe than sorry.
COZY PJ’S
There will be no fashion shows in your room, so feel free to bring your most comfortable PJ’s. I always love to wear the cozy terrycloth robe some hotels provide.
While at the hotel:
KEEP IT COOL
Studies claim the best temperature to sleep in is between 64 and 66 degrees. I would rather pump up the air conditioner and use a cozy comforter than wake up sweating.
GET RELAXED
Right before bed, take a warm shower, and use lavender lotion or linen spray. It will set the tone for a relaxing night under the covers. It is also a good idea to do some light stretches or yoga poses.
HAVE A DRINK
Not that kind of drink. Make yourself a cup of hot tea. I always have chamomile tea and travel honey packets in my travel bag. If you want a good night’s sleep in a hotel, make sure your tea does not have caffeine.
NO BIG MEALS
Sure, that meal is tasting great, but you have to know when to call it quits or you may regret it. Bloating and cramping from an overly full stomach can make it uncomfortable to sleep. Keep your meals smaller and if sugar affects you, you may want to pass on the dessert menu.
OK…ONE GLASS
I know I said to drink tea, but some people think a cocktail sure is a great way to end the night and puts you in a pretty relaxed state. So maybe just one drink from the mini bar!
READ A BOOK
It’s best to turn off the television before you go to sleep so your mind has time to relax. Criminal Minds does not help you have sweet dreams. It’s also not a good idea to play games on your phone or do any work. Reading helps puts your mind in a relaxed state. I always travel with a good book.
NO EMAILS
I learned this trick while I was teaching…never peek at your emails before bed. They can usually wait until morning and bedtime is not the time to try to solve problems.
WAKE-UP CALLS
Even though I may set an alarm in my room, the compulsive section of my brain will often not turn off unless I call and ask for a wake-up call. Having backup puts me at ease.
MUSIC
There’s nothing like soothing music to help me fall asleep. There are plenty of apps that offer calming music, meditations, or white noise. Take a peek here for some good ones. (Keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks for my article on apps to use while traveling.)
SHED SOME LIGHT ON IT
I don’t want to worry about blindly walking to the bathroom in the middle of the night, so I always carry a nightlight I use in the bathroom. It gives off just enough light so it won’t disturb my sleep.
NOISY NEIGHBORS
Everyone wants to have a good time on vacation, but that doesn’t give people the right to make tons of noise when others are trying to sleep. Don’t lose sleep over another person’s rudeness. I never bang on the wall because…well… some people are nuts. I like to call the front desk and let them handle it. Most often people don’t realize they’re being loud and they immediately quiet down.
