With the need to stay productive and other distractions such as mobile phones, a long and healthy sleep cycle has taken the back seat for many of us. So, what is a sleep vacation? In the simplest terms, a sleep vacation refers to a rejuvenating break during which you can restore your circadian rhythm without any disturbances or distractions. Circadian rhythm is essentially your body’s internal clock that helps you stay alert or asleep at appropriate times. And when it’s disrupted, your body can no longer tell between day and night, leading to poor sleep quality and various other issues.
If you’re also planning a vacation in a sleep retreat, then continue reading for our guide on the best sleep destinations.
Need for sleep vacations
Who needs sleep vacations
- There are multiple reasons why you might need a sleep vacation. As mentioned above, poor sleeping habits, caused by excessive screen time and irregular sleep schedules, are definitely a big reason.
- Apart from that, those with chronic issues such as insomnia, sleep apnea, or anxiety might also need to hit the reset button with a vacation where troubles are much further away than a comfy bed.
- For your overall health, it's important to reset your circadian rhythm, so you can fall asleep at the correct time.
Effects of sleep deprivation
- Lack of sleep causes several issues, not the least of which are trouble with concentration and irritability, both of which make it quite difficult to go about work and social lives.
- In fact, repeatedly getting less sleep than the recommended eight hours can even lead to a weakened immune system.
So, if you’re noticing a decline in your mental and physical health, it might be time to give your body a break and head to a sleep retreat.
What to expect from a sleep retreat
While regular hotels also offer premium mattresses and pillow menus, they usually don’t feature sleep awareness programs. Not to mention that hotels accommodate all kinds of guests that visit for different purposes, while sleep retreats are more popular among leisure travellers who are looking to restore their sleep cycles.
Much like spa retreats that have amenities focused on spa treatments and wellness, sleep retreats have treatments and amenities centred around sleep cycles. They typically offer cosy room settings, comfy mattresses and pillow menus, and they simulate the best conditions for undisturbed sleep. Going beyond incredible sleep amenities and sleep education workshops, sleep retreats offer exceptional wellness facilities, such as yoga and meditation centres.
Here are some other unique amenities you might find at a sleep retreat:
- Specialised sleep kits: This would include amenities such as Bryte Balance™, an AI-powered mattress** that combines factors such as pressure imbalance and gentle movements in the mattress to help you fall asleep faster. They may also offer weighted blankets for added comfort, and customized pillows to help you get the best angle and prevent pesky neck pain.
- Special spa packages: What better way to relax than with massages from experts? Other available options might also include aromatherapy to induce sleep and therapy alternatives, such as halotherapy.
- Expert session: Another development is the rise in the number of jobs for sleep technicians, who monitor their patients and their sleep cycles, among other factors, to best determine what is causing the problem and how to help them. While some properties might offer sessions by experts on the importance of sleep and how to get it, others might have consultations with psychologists and nutritionists, who will examine your sleeping and eating habits and help you formulate the best way to move towards healthy sleeping habits.
- Sleep trackers, to help get an analysis of your sleep patterns, are also on the table.
If you’d like a combination of these things, you can also look for properties that have sleep packages with a little bit of everything, including consultations, workshops, and yoga and meditation sessions to help deal with stress effectively.
Best sleep retreats around the world
Luckily, there are many sleep retreats around the world, so no matter where you are, help isn’t far away.
Sleep retreats in the United States
Since it is a pioneer in technological advancements, it’s no wonder that the US has several well equipped sleep retreats. Take, for instance, Hotel Figueroa, Unbound Collection by Hyatt, which offers Gamma Light Therapy’s Revive red-light lamp, which supports melanin production and will help you fall asleep easily, and Loftie Lamp, which will gently wake you up.
Another great option is Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, where you’ll find the coveted Bryte Balance™ Smart Beds.
Sleep retreats in Europe
Escape to the riverside in Portugal with a stay in Six Senses Douro Valley, which offers 3-day, 5-day and 7-day sleep packages that allow you to improve your sleep cycle and restore your energy. These packages have nutritional guidance, sleep consultations, and personalised spa sessions.
Meanwhile, Pan Pacific London has sleep enhancers, including bath amenities, pillow mists, and an OOLER® hydra-powered sleep sheet that will make sure you’re comfortable with its temperature settings. Weighted blankets are also available.
Sleep retreats in Asia
Use ancient Asian methods to solve all your troubles at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, where a consultation with the resident Ayurvedic doctor will put you back on track, along with nutrition advice and yoga sessions.
For those in the UAE, Jumeirah Al Qasr is the place to be. Its 3-day, 5-day or 7-day sleep wellness programmes offer sleep coaching, hypnosis and meditation alongside amenities such as bath rituals and pillow mist.
Sleep retreats in Africa
Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa is the top choice if you’re looking for a sleep holiday in Mauritius. Its packages offer a range of wellness sessions, including personalised yoga and breathing practices. There’s even a 90-minute magnesium sleep therapy that will have positive effects far beyond the duration of your stay.
Plan a rejuvenating sleep vacation
The end goal of these retreats is not only to help you feel renewed, but also to help you develop a regulated sleep cycle that will ward off any further issues even after you come back home.
If you’d like more details and recommendations, we’ve created a list of the best sleep retreats in the world to help you choose the perfect sleep retreat for you, including properties in Europe, the US, Asia, and Africa.
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