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Are you the type of person who is always traveling for business? Do you find this enjoyable, outside of the fact that you’re unable to get a good night’s rest?
If you find yourself in this position, you’re not alone. Millions upon millions of people have a difficult enough time sleeping in their own bed. When you’re taken out of your comfort zone, you may find it even more challenging to doze off and get the sleep you need to perform at your peak.
Although no two people are the same, there are some basic tips you can follow to get more sleep when traveling for business. Let’s take a look at five things that may be able to help:
- Sleep on the Plane
Yes, this is easier said than done. And yes, you may have other things to do on the plane, such as review resumes or write blog posts.
However, if you have a bit of downtime, it makes sense to shut your eyes in an attempt to catch a nap. It may not be the best sleep you ever get, but it’s better than missing out altogether.
Tip: the more you fly the easier it is to find a position that’s comfortable for sleeping.
- Read Online Reviews to Find the Best Hotel
Don’t hesitate to read online reviews as a means of learning more about the hotel, with an eye toward the comfort of the bed and the level of noise in and around the establishment.
If a lot of people are complaining about the bed, such as stating that it’s too hard, you may want to think twice about booking a room. The same holds true if others make note of noise complaints.
It only takes a few minutes to read a batch of online reviews. You never know when you’ll come across some details that allow you to make a more informed decision.
- Ask About the Bed
Do you have specific requirements in regards to the type of bed you like to sleep on? If so, you should call around to learn more about what each hotel has to offer.
This may sound silly, but it’s a question that hotels receive all the time. You shouldn’t hesitate to get on the phone, ask for information then check it’s mattress reviews, and then use this to make a more confident decision.
Yes, it takes some time to do this, but it’s all worth it when you lay down and close your eyes.
- Keep it Cool
It is hard enough to get quality sleep in a hotel. If you crank the heat, you’ll find it even more difficult to get enough sleep.
Once you arrive in your room, head straight for the thermostat. Do you need to lower the temperature to ensure that your room is cooler when the night time hours roll around? If so, don’t delay in doing so.
A cool room is one that puts you in position to get better sleep.
- Find a Way to Unwind
At home, you may have a system for unwinding. You know exactly what you need to do to get yourself ready for bed.
All of this goes out the window when you’re on the road. Since you’re out of your comfort zone, it can be a challenge to unwind in the manner you’re familiar with.
Even so, there are many things you can do to help. Consider the following:
- Take a few laps in the hotel swimming pool
- Hit the exercise room for an early evening workout
- Grab a healthy bite to eat
- Take a walk around the hotel
- Grab your wireless headphones and listen to music
There are many things you can do to unwind. You simply need to find the approach that works best for you.
The Best Tip for Getting More Sleep? Change Your Approach
Have you found it difficult to get sleep in the past when traveling for business? Do you worry that this will continue to bog you down in the future?
There is no reason to believe that this is the “way it has to be.” Instead, as noted above, there are things you can do to change your ways. For many, all it takes is one adjustment in order to fall asleep fast and stay asleep longer.
For example, if a particular hotel chain has not been meeting your needs in regards to mattress quality, avoid their establishments in the future.
Once you find something that works, stick with this approach in the future. Maybe you find that swimming before bed is a great way to unwind. If so, make sure the hotel you book has an indoor swimming pool.
Conclusion
You may not think it’s a big deal, but remember this: when you don’t get enough sleep, it can impact your performance during the day. Is that a risk you want to take when meeting with clients or prospecting for new business? Of course not.
Just because you’re on the road it doesn’t mean your body needs less sleep. In fact, if anything, you’ll need more sleep since you’re on the go.
When you follow the five tips above, you’ll find yourself in better position to get the sleep you need to succeed.
Do you travel often for business? Do you have a system in place that allows you to get high quality sleep? If so, share your thoughts and personal approach in the comment section below.
About the Author
Victoria Howes is a entrepreneur, traveler, and consultant to multiple brands including Travelocity, Hotels.com, and Homeaway.
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