Sleeping in a Hotel: Tips and Tricks

So, you’re going to a hotel. You probably find yourself thinking, “I can’t wait for a GREAT sleep!” If you are, you’re not alone! For many people, some of the best sleeps happens in hotels. Cozy king-size beds and the softest sheets in the world pair perfectly with fluffy pillows and blasting AC. Here’s what you need to know about sleeping in hotels.

Why you sleep more soundly in a hotel

There are people who don’t sleep well in hotels, but most people actually do sleep better in hotels than they do at home. Why? A few reasons.

Hotels invest in sleep 

Their beds. Their pillows. Soft sheets. Blackout curtains… Hotels really do it well. For most people, a quality bed is really all that matters when you’re travelling. Because of this, comfortable beds are the top priority and first investment for a hotel. You should expect a high quality sleep space when you’re away from home.

You have busier, but RElaxing days

You could be sleeping in a hotel because of work, travel, vacation… Whatever the reason you’re out of the house, you’re most likely going to be having busy days. Being up and around all day is tiring. So, you could be sleeping better because you’re busier than normal. At the same time, though, you’re not focused on the day to day worries that we think about in a regular day. Forgetting about everyday to-dos and worries can lower your stress levels and make it easier to sleep. Busy but relaxed is the perfect space to be in for quality sleep.

Your room is extra cold

You don’t pay for AC when you’re in a hotel. This makes it even more appealing to drop the temperature. Ideally, you should sleep in a cooler room between 60 - 67 degrees. Don’t think twice about cranking that AC and cooling down the room to sleep soundly.

There are no distractions

If you usually deal with street lights, pets, house sounds or any other normal night distractions, then you will be distraction free while in the hotel. 

Slept fine but feeling groggy?

No matter how well you sleep your first night, you may feel a little groggy the next day. There have been studies that show that when you’re sleeping in an unfamiliar place, your brain doesn’t 100% rest; It stays alert in case of danger. This is an evolutionary and animal part of our brains. This is the catch-22 of sleeping in a hotel: You have way more creature comforts and the physical aspects that make for a great sleep but mentally, your instincts are a little on edge.

If you do feel a little bit more anxious about sleeping in a new space, meditation, white noise and following your regular sleep routine can help put you at ease. Hopefully by night two, you are feeling rested and enjoying all the benefits that hotel sleeping can offer.

6 Tips to sleep well in a hotel

Floor to ceiling blackout curtains in hotels can’t be beat.

These are our 6 tips to make sure you sleep soundly in a hotel.

1. Keep your sleep routine the same as possible

A great sleep routine can include stretching, reading, meditation, a face care routine and getting to bed at a regular time. Our bodies LOVE routine and failing to follow your normal bedtime practice can make it hard to sleep. While traveling, do what you can to stick to your routine as much as possible. Don’t stress about being flexible – you are traveling after all! – but don’t throw it out the window entirely.

2. Take a nice hot shower

Large showers with hot water followed with fluffy towels can help relax you before you go to sleep.

3. Bring any sleep accessories you usually use

If you usually sleep with an eye mask, ear plugs or white noise, bring what you need to ensure you sleep well while away. White noise can be listened to on your phone, so no need to bring your whole machine.

4. Watch your bedtime

Sleeping in a hotel often goes hand-in-hand with adventure and new experiences. Unfortunately, travel can also lead to late nights and early mornings. If you want to sleep well, try to stick to your bedtime routine and go to sleep at a reasonable hour. If you are going to bed late, be flexible with your next-day plans so you can get enough sleep. 

5. Take advantage of the extra room

Most hotels have king beds or two double beds. If you’re traveling with your partner, don’t feel bad about taking advantage of the two beds and each taking your space. Being able to stretch out and hog the bed can feel incredible. 

6. Double check safety before bed

If you’re not used to traveling, sleeping in a different space can throw your nerves off and make you feel more anxious. If you’re feeling anxious to sleep in a hotel room, do a quick once around to make sure the door is locked and windows closed to help ease your mind. If you are still having a hard time falling asleep, meditation, light stretching and some reading (book, not on your phone!) can help you fall asleep. 

Sleeping soundly in a hotel

Whatever takes you away from your bed and to a hotel, these tips should help you sleep well and enjoy an extra comfortable sleep.