Having Sleeping Problems When Traveling? Here's What You Can Do
It's hard to get a good night's sleep when you're traveling. Whether you're on a plane, in a car, or a new place, your body and mind are constantly adjusting to new surroundings, making it difficult to relax and sleep tight.
If you're struggling with sleeping problems when traveling, here are several things you can do to help yourself fall asleep and get some rest.
Get comfortable
When you're trying to sleep, comfort is key. If you're not comfortable, you're not going to be able to relax and fall asleep. Make sure you have a pillow and blanket that you can use to make yourself as comfortable as possible. You can also bring along a travel pillow to help support your head and neck.
Additionally, if you're in a hotel room, make sure to adjust the temperature to a level that is comfortable for you. Oftentimes, hotel rooms can be too warm or too cold, which can make it difficult to sleep.
Try CBD
CBD is a natural compound that has been shown to help with sleep. CBD can be found in oil form, as well as in gummies and other edibles. Additionally, the use of CBD gummies or oil can help to reduce anxiety, which can also be a major factor in sleeping problems. The components work by interacting with receptors in the brain that help to regulate sleep and wakefulness.
If you're interested in trying CBD, make sure to do your research and find a reputable brand. Start with a low dose and see how it affects you. You can also talk to your doctor about whether or not CBD is right for you and what type of dosage you should take.
Create a bedtime routine
One of the best ways to fall asleep is to create a bedtime routine that you can follow each night. This may include taking a bath, doing a nighttime skincare routine, or lighting up a candle. Doing the same thing each night signals to your body that it's time to sleep.
Your routine should last for about 30 minutes and should be done in a quiet, dark room. Avoid using electronics in your bedtime routine, as the blue light can keep you awake.
On the other hand, if you find that you can't fall asleep after 30 minutes, get up and do something else until you feel tired again.
Noise cancellation
If you're trying to sleep in a place where there is a lot of noise, it can be helpful to use noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. This will help to muffle the noise and make it easier for you to fall asleep.
If you're using earplugs, make sure to put them in before you go to bed so that you don't have to worry about them in the middle of the night. It might take some time and practice to get used to sleeping with noise-canceling headphones or earplugs, but it's worth it if it means you'll be able to sleep better.
Get some exercise
Exercise is, believe it or not, an amazing way to improve the quality of your sleep. It can help to tire your body out so that you're more likely to fall asleep at night. Additionally, exercise has been shown to improve the quality of sleep.
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day. If you can't fit in a full workout, take a walk or do some light stretching. Avoid working out close to bedtime, as it may make it more difficult to fall asleep.
You can also try other relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. These can help to clear your mind and prepare your body for sleep.
Limit your exposure to light
Light can help to wake you up and keep you alert. For this reason, it's important to limit your exposure to light in the evening and at night. This means avoiding screens such as TVs, laptops, and phones.
Instead, try to read a book or do another activity that doesn't involve screens. If you must use a screen, make sure to use blue light-blocking glasses or software.
You should also make sure to keep the lights low in your room and avoid being in bright places before bed. This will also signal to your body that it's time to sleep.
Don't consume caffeine late in the day
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant whose sole purpose is to keep you awake and ready for action. For this reason, it's important to avoid consuming caffeine in the evening or at night, meaning coffee, tea, soda, and energy drinks are out of sight.
Caffeine is proven to stay in your system for many hours, and it just gets longer if you had multiple cups during the day. If you find that you're still struggling to sleep, try avoiding caffeine altogether.
On the other hand, if you can't function without caffeine, make sure to consume it early in the day. This will give your body time to metabolize it before bedtime.
Don't drink alcohol before bed
Although alcohol can make you feel sleepy, it disrupts sleep and can lead to insomnia. Alcohol prevents you from reaching the deepest stages of sleep, which are important for feeling rested.
Therefore, it's best to avoid alcohol for several hours before bedtime. If you do drink, make sure to drink in moderation and to have a glass of water before bed. It will help to rehydrate your body and prevent you from waking up in the middle of the night.
Don't eat a heavy meal before bed
Finally, eating a large meal can make it more difficult to sleep because your body will be working harder to digest the food and won't be able to shut down. Not to mention the heavy feeling you will have in your stomach.
Instead, try to eat a light dinner a few hours before bedtime. If you're hungry before bed, have a small snack such as yogurt or a piece of fruit. Avoid sugary snacks as they can give you a sugar rush and make it harder to sleep.
If you're struggling to get a good night's sleep when traveling, try implementing some of the tips listed. Whether it's using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, getting some exercise, or avoiding screens before bed, there are many things you can do to improve your sleep. With a little effort, you can get the restful sleep you need and enjoy your trip even more.