How to sleep well in a hotel – What the accommodation should pay attention to

Staying in a hotel can be relaxing, but it can also be stressful. The feeling that we will sleep in a foreign environment, far from the security of our bedroom and the comfort of our mattress, often causes a negative mood and does not allow us to relax!

Sleeping in a different place – What happens to the body

The researchers observed sleep problems in people occurring during their first night of adaptation to a new environment, a phenomenon called the first night effect (FNE). FNE is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, as well as shorter total sleep time and REM sleep time (the stage in which dreams occur). FNE could be the result of our body trying to keep us safe. Studies show that people who sleep in a new place show increased activity in the left hemisphere of the brain, an area that is expected to be more inactive when a person falls asleep. Instead of letting the body sleep, this part of the brain stays alert for signs of danger. This response may be activated as a protective mechanism, as heightened vigilance allows a person to wake up more quickly in response to an unexpected noise. Does it get easier to sleep after the first night? For some, the first night can create a disturbing sleep experience when they arrive at their destination. But if you're having trouble getting a good night's sleep on the first night of your vacation or business trip, there's a good chance your second night will be better. Are there people who sleep better in hotels? Surprisingly, some people experience the opposite of the first night effect and find themselves getting more restorative sleep while away from home. Research shows that many factors influence how a person's sleep patterns change in response to sleeping away from home. One study looked at groups of people who reported that their regular insomnia symptoms improved during their hotel stay. The researchers also noticed that morning types were more likely to report new insomnia symptoms at hotels than night types. Night types tend to have a more flexible sleep schedule, which allows them to more easily adapt to a new environment. On the other hand, morning types tend to be more organized and stick to regular schedules, so they may be more sensitive to interruptions from jet lag or environmental changes, such as an unfamiliar room. The researchers also found that hotel satisfaction significantly influenced the reported sleep quality of both groups. If you are more sensitive to environmental changes, a hotel with the right amenities could improve your sleep quality and reduce insomnia.

Quality mattress and sleeping in a hotel

A large study of hotel guests looked at the most common causes of sleep disturbance in hotels and found that complaints ranged from poor pillow and mattress quality to high room temperature, street noise, unwanted light from windows and ventilation system noise. Also, a room on a newly renovated floor is more likely to have a newer mattress. As expected, there are significant correlations between mattress quality and sleep quality. Therefore, every hotel owner must give the utmost importance to the hotel mattresses , which he chooses for the accommodation rooms. For this reason, always check their condition and be sure to refresh them regularly when you see that they have lost their shape. A quality, anatomical mattress is always a value for money purchase for your business, as it is the key element that will make the guest feel comfortable and enjoy their sleep. A fluffy mattress made of natural materials will provide the necessary rest to the body for a beneficial sleep. In addition to the mattress, be sure to design the rooms of the accommodation with a cozy atmosphere and beautiful colors that induce relaxation and calm the guest. What can I do to sleep better in hotels? As guests, there are many things you can do to help you sleep better in hotels. Before your stay, find out what to expect by looking up your hotel's reviews. Look for negative reviews that mention specific issues of pillow or mattress quality, noise and temperature. Consider checking if your hotel is in an urban area with a lot of street noise. Regarding room selection, consider requesting a room on a higher level, away from street noise. Ask if the rooms have blackout curtains, allowing you to make the room dark enough for a comfortable sleep. If you need a specific type of pillow , bring your own from home to make sure you'll be comfortable. Also, if you are concerned about the quality of the mattress and are used to a certain feel in your home, then you can bring your own topper to put on top of the hotel bed. When you arrive at your hotel, make sure your room is comfortable for sleeping. Then set a cool room temperature ideal for sleeping. If you're still feeling anxious or stressed the night you're away, try some relaxation techniques to calm your body and promote better sleep. The article's scientific information has been edited by clinical pathologist & sleep disorder expert Heather Wright for Healthline .