Travelling can be exciting, whether it’s to an international destination or a road trip right here in South Africa. However, there’s one thing that can derail your travel plans: Lack of sleep. The First Night Effect is when you struggle to fall asleep in a new environment, usually the first day you arrive at a destination.
The First Night Effect is probably something you’ve experienced outside your home at least once: difficulty falling asleep, restless behaviour, and a lack of proper rest. Luckily, you can take plenty of preventive measures to reduce potential issues down the (literal and metaphorical) road.
Mimic your usual sleep atmosphere to avoid First Night Effect
Scientists have discovered that the First Night Effect keeps our brains “half-awake” when we sleep in unfamiliar settings. Much like birds, it seems half of the brain remains awake to notice potential threats and dangers when in an unknown place.
Following this logic, one of the easiest ways to prevent the First Night Effect from taking place is to mimic your normal sleeping conditions as much as you can.
Small changes such as bringing your favourite pillow, carrying earplugs or white noise machines, or spraying a familiar scent on your pillow can help you sleep better. Sealy manufactures a range of pillows designed to help you sleep better. If your Sealy mattress can’t go with on holiday, at least your Sealy pillow can! Click here to view our range of pillows.
Identify possible anxiety sources
Stress and anxiety also play a huge role in sleep disturbances, and even the most experienced traveller can experience them regularly.
There is no universal solution to easing anxieties, so try to understand the root cause of your worries and see if there is some way to prepare better for that first night of holiday sleep. For example, if you stress about forgetting something during your vacation, prepare a checklist ahead of time.
Avoid stimulants
Consider avoiding caffeinated drinks at least six hours ahead of your expected sleeping time.
As mentioned before, the First Night Effect keeps half of your brain active during sleeping hours, so extra stimulants will pump up the energy in a brain already on overdrive.
Instead, rely on your pre-established energy to get your tasks and duties done and, before sleep, engage in relaxing activities such as meditation or box breathing. Make sure you’re not already in sleep deficit by investing in a good quality Sealy mattress for your home.
In almost every case, a poor quality, old or worn mattress is an overlooked factor in poor quality sleep. If you’ve been sinking into an old bed that’s lost its shape, there’s a good chance you’re lacking sleep even before you begin your travels. Sealy’s exclusive Posturepedic Technology™ mattresses are built strategically to help provide proper support for the entire body, comfort for a great night’s sleep and durability for peace of mind. Orthopedically correct mattress design fully supports the body while at the same time relieving pressure points, allowing the body to fully relax.
We have developed a Sealy guide to help you choose the best mattress for your needs. Click here to get started – simply answer a few questions about your sleep style and we will recommend a selection of Sealy beds that are a good match for you.
Consider a mattress topper
Unfortunately taking your Sealy mattress with you is out of the question, mattress toppers can offer the comfort you seek.
If you happen to stay in a hotel room with an uncomfortable mattress, the topper can provide additional firmness and structure that your body is already used to. (Although Sealy manufactures a wide and varied range of mattresses, we do not manufacture mattress toppers.)
Consult a sleep specialist
While the First Night Effect is a scientifically-proven event that can explain sleeping issues while away from home, sleep disorders are common and shouldn’t be ignored. If you are concerned about the quality of your sleep, consult a medical professional to discover the root cause of your sleep disturbances.
