Many people think restful sleep when traveling is unreachable, but with a few adjustments it is possible! Getting proper rest is one of the key ingredients of staying mentally and physically healthy while on vacation or a business trip. In this article we will cover six simple ways to optimize sleep while you or your out-of-town guests are traveling.
1. Eat Healthy Foods
While it’s tempting to stock up on sweet or salty snacks for a road trip or plane ride, it’s best to keep your food fresh and light. In order to keep your digestive system working properly, fill your snack bag with heart-healthy food packed with plenty of nutrients.
Planning ahead is best, but you may need to acquire meals and snacks on-the-go at local grocery stores and restaurants. Keep your eye out for fresh food options such as an array of fruits, sliced vegetables, nuts, and a variety of proteins. Minimize consumption of processed food as much as possible to help your body function at its best.
Maintain a healthy level of fiber by adding in some whole-grains, oatmeal, legumes, and leafy greens, keep the salt and sugar to a minimum. All of your nutritional efforts will support energy levels and a feeling of well being.
2. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water will help keep you hydrated while you sit for long periods of time in the car or on an airplane. Before, during, and after a long trip it’s important to hydrate your body in order to promote good sleep, proper digestion, and replenish fluid loss during travel.
Adequate water consumption and eating water-rich foods (like fruits and veggies) can also help to ward off headaches and fatigue brought on by the stress of traveling and interrupted schedules. It is especially important to stay hydrated if you are traveling to a hot, humid climate. The heat of the sun can have more of an effect than you may realize!
3. Movement
Traveling often requires one to remain seated for a long period of time. When possible, be intentional about moving your body to maintain proper circulation, stave off muscle aches and pains, and keep your joints limber. By moving your body you can even prevent more serious problems like a possible blood clot.
Move your legs and exercise your calf muscles if you have to sit for long periods of time. If you are on an airplane, it’s a great idea to get up and walk up and down the aisle once or twice an hour and you can also get things moving by doing some simple stretches in your seat if there is room.
If you are traveling via car, it’s easier to stop every hour or two to get outside, take a walk, stretch, and do some low impact exercise to get things moving. Not only will this keep your body healthy and flexible, but will give you a boost of endorphins which will reduce stress, improve your mindset, and increase your energy level.
When you feel your best and exert energy during the day, you set yourself up for a good night’s sleep. Try to keep exercise sessions at least 1-2 hours before bedtime.
4. Plan to Avoid Jet Lag
If you or your guests will be traveling across the country or time zones, create a strategy for avoiding jet lag. Simple things like light (natural sunlight or from light bulbs) and melatonin supplication can make a big difference.
5. Find a Quiet, Comfortable Space
Having a relaxing place to rest on your travels is essential for your emotional and physical well-being, and at Wallbeds “n” More we can help you create a luxurious Murphy bed retreat in your home where friends and family traveling through can recoup and catch up on much-needed rest.
Whether your guests are just passing through or visiting your home as their final destination, it’s always a delight to find a soft, comfortable, clean bed on one’s travels. At Wallbeds “n” More we can assist in this area by helping you create the perfect guest room with a beautiful Murphy bed!
We are sure your guests will be thrilled with all of our supportive, comfortable wall bed styles. Modern Murphy beds are much more comfortable than a pull-out couch, futon, or air mattress. Many of our wall bed models are even compatible with a Queen size mattress!
6. Amenities within Reach
One of our most common recommendations is the addition of storage space built into your wallbed unit so that guests can unpack and make themselves feel at home. They can declutter their mind by decluttering their suitcase.
Include the following when designing your wallbed to make your guest room both functional and relaxing for travelers:
- USB ports to charge laptops, phones, and smart watches
- A nightstand or a table top on which to set a healthy snack, glass of water, or a fresh bouquet of flowers to welcome your weary travelers when they arrive
- A wardrobe or cabinets in the Murphy bed with ample room for guests to hang up their jacket and put away clothing
- Ambient lighting to provide a relaxed environment
- A brighter bedside lamp or a built-in spotlight so that they can read and unwind after a long day of travel
- A drawer in the wallbed stocked with ear plugs, an eye mask, a tissue box, an extra phone charger and anything else that might make their stay more restful
- Soft linens (we recommend flannel sheets if you live in a chilly environment)
- Plush pillows
- Warm, inviting blankets
- A supremely comfortable mattress – not too firm and not too soft; we can help you choose exactly the right one for a comfortable yet supportive sleep
Create a Restful Space for Guests
At Wallbeds “n” More we want to help you to create the perfect place for travelers to get a good night’s sleep during their journey. If you have family members traveling to stay at your home or friends stopping by on a road trip, helping your guests get the peaceful, rejuvenating sleep they deserve is the best gift you can give them.
Visit our Locations page to find the Wallbeds “n” More showroom that is closest to you. Our knowledgeable staff members can give you a tour of our showroom, help you narrow down your favorite wall bed style, and assist you in customizing a unit that matches your needs and style.
