When already traveling or en route to our next destination, anxiety about sleeping away from home is quite common. Getting a bit of shut-eye and sleeping in public, like when waiting for the train or the bus, or just resting in a new bed, unlike the one we’re used to, can be a bit tricky.
If this happens to you, too, then the first thing you need to know is that you are not alone. This is a common occurrence among travelers, and there are little tricks and tips you can use to try and rest better in certain situations. The second thing you need to know is that there’s a reason why we find it so difficult – many good reasons, actually, and being aware of them can make the anxiety about sleeping away from home a bit more manageable.
Evolution wanted it that way
Humans were nomadic for a really long time before the invention of agriculture, the discovery of fire, and the first settlements ever saw the light. As a result of both this ancient lifestyle and the evolutionary processes that we’ve been through as a species, our brain is hardwired into “half-sleeping” when in a new location, until proven safe.
As you may know, sleep happens in two cycles: Rapid Eye Movement (REM) and Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM), the latter having three cycles within, N1, N2, and N3. The REM phase is the one in which we truly rest, the deepest slumber, and almost unachievable when sleeping in public.
Our ability to enter deep sleep depends on the environment and how safe we feel. Even though our conscious mind understands we are safe in a hotel, a bus, or an Airbnb, the surroundings are entirely different, and that primal part of our brain stays alert, looking for predators or risks. This is why, after a day or two of uneventful nights, you may find it easier to fall asleep.
The setting is different
This may seem a bit on the nose, but although we are aware that the place we are at is different from our house, we may not be aware enough. The bed is different, yes, but so are the light conditions, and the smells, and the textures. Everything is different, and while our body slowly but surely gets used to it all, we may find it hard to relax enough to get a good night's sleep.
A lot of people end up buying travel pillows each and every time they’re out, once they find the ones provided at the plane or hotel not super comfortable, and end up spending a lot of money in vain because of a lack of planning ahead. A good way to avoid this is to always carry with you at least a blanket or a pillow that you are familiar with, something versatile that can cover a lot of basis, like your own travel sloodie – cozy, soft, and private.
Jet lag: the eternal obstacle
Our bodies’ wake-up and sleep times are determined by our circadian rhythm, a natural internal process that takes roughly 24 hours, and contemplates all our functions. This is why sometimes you may find it hard to sleep in during the weekends: your body is used to waking up early, having some breakfast, and then getting to work, and even though it is Saturday, and you know it, to your inner calendar and clock it’s all the same.
When staying in a different time zone, your circadian rhythm does not adjust magically. If you are seven hours ahead of time, then your body is seven hours behind. At 6 a.m. local time, it is actually 11 p.m. on the day before for you. And while you should probably get up to catch a tour, your body actually wants to sleep. Don’t worry, though! A few days into the adventure, you’ll get used to the new time zone, and your circadian rhythm will adapt.
Excitement over the trip
Just like when waiting for the big day, or when you know your best friend is going to visit soon, your brain is incapable of letting that fact rest, and is so fired up, buzzing with possibilities, that it is almost impossible to get it to quiet down and actually rest, especially when sleeping in public, like on the airport while waiting for the flight that will take you to that promised land.
This is completely normal, and a good way to deal with the giddiness when visiting a new destination is to let it run its course in a controlled environment: write down everything you’re excited about, make plans, indulge a little bit looking at some nice photos, and then try to sleep, breathe in deep and let go.
Your diet is different, too
Different country, different food. Your body may not be used to the seasoning, the flavors, and the ingredients, and this may cause your digestive process to be a bit chaotic at first. Add this to the jet lag, the excitement, and it may seem as if you have a recipe for disaster. The best way to prevent this from becoming an issue is to avoid exotic foods within the first couple of days, and slowly work your way to them, accustoming your body to this new gastronomic culture.
Above all, sleeping away from home certainly requires a lot of practice, and along the way, you will discover your own tricks to falling asleep easier. So let’s get going! Book your next trip and nap all over the world.
