A SLEEP scientist has revealed a bizarre ‘nappuccino’ trick to help you sleep after a long flight.
It comes as research by travel search engine KAYAK found that almost 2 in 5 Brits ranked rest and relaxation top of their holiday requirements this year.
Long haul travel can make us incredibly tired and even ruin the start of our holiday[/caption]
Getting in a quick nap on arrival and having a proper night’s sleep are key to enjoying your vacation[/caption]
Over half of those surveyed also reported having better sleep quality on holiday.
But the question remains, how do they do it? How can we all feel more rested on holiday?
KAYAK’s research partnered with expert Dr Jason Ellis, Director of the Northumbria Centre for Sleep Research.
The travel company launched its ‘Sleep Tourism Guide’ in response which details how you can make sure you get a good nights rest on holiday and where is best to get it.
Dr Ellis helped the guide by evaluating a destination’s key factors including air quality, noise pollution, political stability, proximity to nature, as well as access to accommodation with spa amenities and accommodation prices.
He commented: “‘Sleepcation’ holidays are a great way to pay off some of the ‘sleep debt’ we experience in daily life.
“By choosing the right destinations that contribute to better sleep, travellers can maximise their rest and return home feeling truly rejuvenated.”
Dr Ellis’ top tips to return free of sleep debt after a holiday
- Mind your diet: Opt for foods with sleep promoting effects that will help you wind down. One of the favourites is the kiwi fruit which contains polythenes, an ingredient that promotes mild sedative effects. To get the best slumber during your trip, start eating two kiwis after dinner, three days before you travel.
- Sleeping material: When choosing your stay, check out the accommodation’s information on linens and curtains. Blackout curtains are perfect for minimising the effects of light pollution on your sleep.
- Morning sun: Exposure to the sun shortly after waking up, such as during a morning walk or by having breakfast outdoors, supports in naturally adjusting your body clock.
He also shone light on the “nappuccino”.
If you need to nap when you arrive at your destination, he said, try drinking a cup of coffee just before taking a 20 minute nap.
That way the caffeine kicks in just as you wake up, combining the restorative effects of a short nap with an extra boost of alertness.
Finally, he advised holidaymakers to follow the 90/20 rule for daily activities.
It states that for every 90 minutes of activity, you should have 20 minute of downtime in order to promote better sleep in the evening.
The top ranked sleepcation destination from the analysis was Sligo, Ireland.
This sleepy coastal destination on Ireland’s beautiful west coast balances on impressively good air quality and political stability score with low noise pollution, along with a wide range of accommodation featuring spa and wellness amenities.
The other top travel Sleepcation Destinations were:
- Kyoto, Japan
- Funchal, Portugal
- Zadar, Croatia
- Split, Croatia
- Auckland, New Zealand
- Letterkenny, Ireland
- Lagos, Portugal
- Puerto de la Cruz, Spain
- Bridgetown, Barbados
Rachel Mumford, KAYAK UK Travel Expert, commented: “From constant digital distractions to the fast-paced demands of everyday life, we believe more Brits are turning to more relaxing, sleep-focused holidays as a form of self-care.
“That’s why we launched the Sleep Tourism Guide—to provide travellers with the info they need to find the best destinations to rest and recharge.”
To view the full ranking alongside Dr. Ellis’ expert advice on optimising sleep while travelling, check out KAYAK’s Sleepcation Guide.
