Tips for Better Sleep When Traveling

I love traveling! But it can be exhausting with today's stressful world of plane, train and automobile travel. Also, I find that sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings, on uncomfortable beds with less than perfect pillows can also cause fatigue. Getting the rest you need is so very important, especially when traveling. Here are a few tips to help reduce sleep loss -- and the headaches and fatigue that come with it - when you are on the road.

• Stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and avoid caffeine and alcohol if possible.
• Eat the right foods and not too much of them! Go for whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables and lean protein such as chicken and fish. Here's an interesting article about eating the right food when traveling.
• Get outdoors and set your body clock to your destination’s time zone as quickly as possible.
• Bring along a favorite sleep-time item – such as a pillow or blanket - for a more comfortable rest.
• Invest in a good travel pillow. I can attest that it will become one of your favorite travel companions! McRoskey’s two signature travel pillows - the Camille and the Mini JetSetter - easily fit into a suitcase or briefcase.

These tips will help you acclimate once you arrive at your travel destination.

• Select a hotel room with eastern or southern morning exposure. You will feel more alert in the morning.
• Avoid naps to acclimate yourself to the time zone
• When you arrive at your destination, stay awake the entire day. This will help you sleep more soundly for the entire night.
• Keep the room at a comfortable temperature, between 65 and 67 degrees.
• Sync your sleeping time to your new locale. Go to bed and wake up at the appropriate time for the new time zone.
• Schedule outdoor activities as soon as possible. Fresh air works wonders!

Happy traveling!