{"id":25119,"date":"2021-11-24T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/how-to-sleep-better-while-traveling\/"},"modified":"2023-08-28T18:58:01","modified_gmt":"2023-08-28T18:58:01","slug":"how-to-sleep-better-while-traveling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-better-while-traveling\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Sleep Well While Traveling"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Getting a full eight hours of sleep while traveling can be as precarious as making your connecting flight. And with new COVID regulations making travel even trickier, it\u2019s never been a more stressful time to board a plane or take that family road trip.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luckily, there are plenty of tips to teach you how to sleep well while traveling. Below, we share our advice for combatting jet lag, sleeping better in a hotel, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-travel-impact-your-sleep\">How does travel impact your sleep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While transformative, travel can also transform the way you sleep\u2014and not in a good way. From jitters the night before a big flight to sleeping in an unfamiliar setting, there are dozens of factors that can affect how you sleep while traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are a few of the myriad ways travel can lead to a lousy night\u2019s rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-travel-fatigue\">Travel fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The physical and mental stress of travel minutia can lead to travel fatigue. Some symptoms include headache, excessive tiredness, and, of course, trouble sleeping while traveling.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What brings about travel fatigue? You name it. Anxiety around fear of flying or losing your passport and everything in between is a leading cause of the inability to sleep while traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sitting upright on a long-haul flight or indulging in one too many drinks or cups of coffee is another major cause of travel fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-jet-lag\">Jet lag<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ve all been plagued by&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/jet-lag-cures\/\">jet lag<\/a>. Your circadian rhythm gets out of whack when flying across time zones, disrupting your typical sleep pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The more time zones you cross, the worse your jet lag is likely to be. When heading to Asia or Australia, fight the urge to sleep your way through lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-sleep-settings\">New sleep settings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Change is hard, especially when it comes to your bed. Research shows&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/dictionary.apa.org\/mere-exposure-effect\">your brain loves familiar things<\/a>,&nbsp;which, in turn, help you feel safe and relaxed. It\u2019s no surprise then that new sleep settings can throw you off your sleep patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Maybe the mattress is too hard and the pillow too soft. Perhaps the curtains aren\u2019t blackouts like the ones you have at home. Either way, it takes time for your body and your sleep cycle to adapt to a new environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-changes-to-routine\">Changes to routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When you travel\u2014whether for work or pleasure\u2014your everyday routine doesn&#8217;t apply. While you\u2019re away from home, you tend to dine out more than usual, often eating more indulgent foods. And we don\u2019t blame you if you replace your daily exercise routine with a nap by the pool.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>No matter how pleasurable these experiences may be, though, they often mean you won\u2019t sleep well while traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-sleep-well-while-traveling\">How to sleep well while traveling<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you know all the reasons why you can\u2019t sleep while traveling\u2014but don\u2019t worry, there are plenty of ways to help you sleep while you\u2019re on the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/best-essential-oils-for-sleep\/\">essential oils<\/a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-long-should-i-nap\/\">scheduled naps<\/a>&nbsp;and plenty of sun, here\u2019s the how-to on sleeping well while traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-stick-to-your-regular-bedtime-routine\">Stick to your regular bedtime routine&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>There\u2019s comfort in routine. After all, we are creatures of habit. So do your best to follow the same nightly routine you use at home, be it your regular skincare regime or reading a chapter or two before lights out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pack-products-to-help-you-sleep\">Pack products to help you sleep<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you know you can\u2019t sleep while traveling, come prepared. Make room in your suitcase for a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/does-white-noise-help-you-sleep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">white noise machine<\/a>&nbsp;to help lull you to sleep and keep you asleep. If your flight requires an overnight, pack a comfy&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/do-sleep-masks-help-you-sleep\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sleep mask<\/a>&nbsp;and lavender essential oils to help increase the amount of deep sleep in your cycle. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"saatva-product-slider bg-fuscous-gray text-white\">\n            <p class=\"bg-makara p-4 text-center\">Improve your sleep while traveling with these Saatva eye masks<\/p>\n    \n            <div\n            class=\"focus:!outline-0\"\n            data-flickity=\"{&quot;wrapAround&quot;:true,&quot;pageDots&quot;:true,&quot;adaptiveHeight&quot;:true,&quot;prevNextButtons&quot;:false,&quot;autoPlay&quot;:5000}\"\n        >\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/silk-eye-mask\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/silk-eye-mask-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva silk eye mask\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/silk-eye-mask-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/silk-eye-mask-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/silk-eye-mask-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/silk-eye-mask-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/silk-eye-mask.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/silk-eye-mask\">Silk Eye Mask<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>Drift into dreamland with our sleep-enhancing eye mask made of the finest quality mulberry silk. It keeps light out for more uninterrupted sleep\u2014no matter where you are.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/silk-eye-mask\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/weighted-silk-eye-mask\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/weighted-silk-eye-mask-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva weighted silk eye mask\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/weighted-silk-eye-mask-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/weighted-silk-eye-mask-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/weighted-silk-eye-mask-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/weighted-silk-eye-mask-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/weighted-silk-eye-mask.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/weighted-silk-eye-mask\">Weighted Silk Eye Mask<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>Drift into dreamland with our sleep-enhancing weighted eye mask made of the finest quality mulberry silk. It blocks out light for more restful sleep as it gives your eyes the calming, therapeutic effect of deep pressure stimulation.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/weighted-silk-eye-mask\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-take-naps\">Take naps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A short nap doesn\u2019t just improve your mood but your alertness too. Whatever you do, though, don\u2019t sleep for more than 30 minutes. Otherwise, you may have a hard time waking up and staying up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-eat-and-drink-wisely\">Eat and drink wisely<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Plane rides can lead to dehydration, so it\u2019s essential to drink a lot of water before, during, and after a flight. It\u2019s also best to avoid big, heavy meals before boarding, as well as caffeine. Although you\u2019re on vacation, drinking can also worsen sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-some-sunlight\">Get some sunlight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Sun gives you vitamin D, and a healthy dose will help your body reset its clock to better adjust to your new environment. Just remember to wear sunscreen; a bad <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-with-sunburn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sunburn<\/a> can make for a painful and restless night\u2019s sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-move-your-body\">Move your body<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Exercise is essential for falling asleep and waking up rested. But you don\u2019t have to do an intense HIIT class to move your body. Instead, go for a walk or a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/benefits-of-swimming\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">swim<\/a> for 20 to 30 minutes to get a better night\u2019s sleep while traveling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-travel-in-style\">Travel in style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve got a long-haul flight coming up or a&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-on-a-train\/\">lengthy train ride<\/a>, traveling in style can help you sleep better. The ability to lie flat on a business class seat and grab several solid hours of sleep will make all the difference when you land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>We\u2019ve got plenty more tips on&nbsp;<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-sleep-on-an-airplane\/\">how to sleep better on an airplane<\/a>. So, no matter where you\u2019re traveling, you\u2019ll start off with a satisfying sleep.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Getting a full eight hours of sleep while traveling can be as precarious as making your connecting flight. Luckily, there are plenty of tips to teach you how to sleep well while traveling.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":79,"featured_media":25120,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[389,390],"tags":[],"coauthors":[433],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-25119","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-health","category-sleep-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25119","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/79"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25119"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25119\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25120"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25119"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25119"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25119"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=25119"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=25119"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=25119"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}