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The sleep deprivation epidemic -

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in three adults in the US are sleep-deprived. 

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A preference for slow travel -

It comes as no surprise, then, that in a survey by Carl Friedrik, a luxury travel goods brand, over 94% of American respondents said they wanted to experience slow travel—vacationing for relaxation and reconnecting with wellness rather than adhering to a packed itinerary or rushing through destinations. 

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The growth of sleep tourism -

According to HTF Market Intelligence, the sleep tourism market is estimated to grow by nearly 8% and over US$400 billion between 2023 and 2028.

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How important is good sleep while traveling? -

A survey conducted by Rebecca Robbins, a sleep scientist at Harvard University's Division of Sleep Medicine, found that a good sleep while traveling was a significant factor in determining whether a guest would return.

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Guests want to feel rested -

Hotels often focus on promoting nightlife or restaurant options, but they could also benefit from their guests' desire to return home from their stay well-rested 

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What do hotels already offer? -

Hotels already provide blackout shades, masks, and comfortable pillows but many locations are expanding their amenities.

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Pillow menus -

Some hotels and resorts are offering pillow menus, which offer guests a choice of different pillows to suit their needs or preferences.

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Sleep therapy sessions -

Travelers interested or engaged in sleep tourism are seeking out unique experiences, like sleep therapy sessions, that help them achieve their sleep and relaxation goals.

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Sleep retreats -

Some travelers even dedicate their entire getaway to getting a good night's sleep. Six Senses, a collection of luxury hotels, offers curated sleep programs ranging from three to 10 nights.

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What is a sleep retreat? -

During a sleep retreat, guests focus on achieving restful, uninterrupted sleep. Basic add-ons include pillow menus and bath salts, while comprehensive multi-day programs are often guided by specialists and clinicians.

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How do sleep retreats work? -

Sleep retreats with a diagnostic component to their programs will examine barriers to sleep and suggest treatments to rectify sleep disturbances.

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How do sleep retreats work? -

Some sleep retreats may offer additional services that help to counter poor-quality sleep, including yoga, meditation, and reflexology.

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Are sleep retreats worth it? -

Whether or not a sleep retreat will benefit someone will depend on an individual's sleep issues. While learning about sleep in a luxurious environment may benefit some, others may require long-term treatment with support from a healthcare professional.

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Are sleep retreats worth it? -

Those suffering from insomnia may not see the benefits of a sleep retreat, as cognitive behavioral therapy, a long-term approach, is thought to be the best way to treat this sleep disorder.

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Limitations of sleep tourism -

The majority of sleep-focused hotels and retreats fall within the luxury travel sector, which means they may not be accessible to everyone due to their high cost.

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How to create a sleep retreat at home -

If you can't (or don't want to) spend the money on a sleep retreat, you can create one at home. Ensuring you have appropriate pillows is a good place to start.

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Wake up to sunlight -

Getting some sunlight or natural light as soon as you wake up can help establish your circadian rhythm. 

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Avoid glucose spikes -

Stop eating three to four hours before bed to keep glucose levels stabilized. This makes it easier to fall asleep.

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Meditation -

Meditation before bed has been proven to help people fall asleep twice as quickly and preserve deep sleep.

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Lavendar pillow mist -

Some studies into aromatherapy suggest scents like lavender can enhance sleep quality and help you get to sleep quicker.

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Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort, Oman -

The Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Oman offers a Slumber Guru Package, which includes in-bed foot massages and baths infused with rose and frankincense.

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ITC Hotels, India -

ITC Hotels, an Indian hotel chain, features rooms with soundproofed walls, blackout shades, and a Sleep TV channel with music designed to help you get to sleep. 

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The Cadogan, London -

The Cadogan Hotel in London offers guests a meditation session with Malminder Gill, a hypnotherapist and sleep expert. A pillow menu and weighted blanket are also available.

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Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, Switzerland -

The Mandarin Oriental, a five-star hotel in Geneva, has teamed up with experts from Switzerland's first private sleep clinic to provide guests with an overnight polysomnographic to identify possible sleep disorders and improve sleep quality.

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Grand Hotel Tremezzo, Italy -

The Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers a 110-minute botanical-based treatment package to improve sleep and well-being.

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Park Hyatt, New York City -

The Park Hyatt Hotel in New York City offers a Sleep Suite with an AI-powered smart bed that adjusts the mattress pressure points. The room also has essential oil diffusers.

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SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain -

SHA Wellness Clinic helps to alleviate a range of health issues, including sleep problems and chronic exhaustion. Sleep therapies include "Night Polygraphic Diagnosis" and "CPAP Diagnosis and Treatment." Guests can tailor programs to suit their needs.

Sources: (Fortune) (Euro News) (Conde Nast Traveller)

See also: What happens to your body when you don't sleep enough

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