I Can’t Sleep!
That darn trickle of water… that creak from who knows where… Your mind planning and thinking of everything you will do tomorrow; maybe every day for the rest of your life. So many thoughts, sounds, and feelings are keeping your peepers wide open for hours. This struggle is an all-too-real experience for many people.
Falling asleep can be an easy natural daily occurrence for most people, however, there are some who find this an excruciating chore. There are some nights where getting dental work feels less stressful than trying to fall asleep. Tossing and turning, pulling up the fitted sheets, pillows flying across the room. Now add this struggle while traveling and you are brewing up a recipe for disaster. Luckily I’ve had experience with both traveling and restless nights. Here are a few ways that will help with the natural process of sleep.
Table of Contents
No phones before bedtime
I know, I know, this is an extremely hard thing to do. I even break this rule from time to time. I have this urge to catch up on my favorite YouTube video or need to look up the answer to that question I have had all day. But studies show that shutting off that phone is highly important. The National Sleep Foundation says to shut off that phone two hours before bedtime, with a minimum of 30 minutes. It messes with your internal clock and makes your brain think it is still daytime.
Try melatonin supplements
Check with your doctor first! Like any medication or supplements, there could be potentially life-threatening side effects. Once you have the all-clear from your physician, give melatonin a try. They are a natural way to help your body fall asleep and stay asleep. This was first recommended to me by my therapist. It is a good way to get your body in a healthy sleep rhythm without the side effects of prescription medication.
Read to calm the mind
Reading is a great way to calm down the mind before bed. I find it helps to slow down and ease racing thoughts and ideas. Read from a paper book or a device like the Kindle Paperwhite (check it out on Amazon). This is because of those pesky bright lights from the phone that will mess with your internal clock. Keep the lighting to a relaxing brightness, warm lighting is the best.
Write, journal or doodle
There is nothing better for the mind than a journal or writing. It helps you process your feelings and express your thoughts. You will understand yourself better. Try journaling about your travel experience. You can look back at it later on and help jot those feelings and memories from your adventure.
Doodling is also a great way to relieve stress and calm the mind. Art is a super important way to express yourself and find meaning from your thoughts. Try doodling for 15 minutes before bed every night. Be mindful of how you are sleeping and your new sleeping patterns. I bet you have a better night’s sleep just a short period after you begin a doodling routine.
An eye mask and earplugs are a must
Traveling and maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is hard to achieve. The change of surroundings being unfamiliar, even a different mattress or a different time zone can all affect your overall sleep.
If you ever try sleeping in a hostel it will open your eyes to a whole new world. It gets you out of your comfort zone and you meet cool people along the way. One downside to communal bunking is trying to get a good night’s rest with a room full of people coming and going. Pack a sleeping mask and a couple of sets of earplugs. When you use these in unison, it will be like you are in your own little world.
Here is a link to Amazon where you can purchase these items if you do not already own them.
To sum up, sleeping while traveling can be difficult for many people who have trouble falling asleep, to begin with. However, there are measures you can take to make your traveling experience a much better one. You can achieve a healthy sleep schedule and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for your day of exploring. Just remember my fellow travelers, we are in this together.