How to Sleep Well While Traveling

Sleep is often an underestimated aspect of health. Being sleep-deprived can have serious consequences on your mental and physical health. One of the times sleep is unavoidably affected is when you are traveling. Traveling present the perfect kind of scenario to ruin your sleep!

Firstly, you are not in your bed, under your covers (or in the arms of your sweetheart!); on top of that you are traveling. How does one avoid insomnia under such circumstances?

Wear track pants and a loose t-shirt. A pair of shorts if they make you feel more comfortable than track pants. Do not wear thick or tight clothing while sleeping - it is important that your body be able to breathe. If you are finicky about your feet, then wear socks. The basic key here is to wear clothes you are most comfortable and relaxed in.

For Men: It is so much easier for you guys! You can wear just about anything! 

For Women: Carry a set of undergarments that you would be comfortable sleeping in. You can also go for a plus-sized t-shirt, or you can layer up - wearing a camisole inside a t-shirt.

Another option would be to not wear undergarments, but then to keep a jacket or a sweater at hand. Once you wake up, you can quickly go into the washroom and wear your inners.

Some alternatives to a pillow include an inflatable pillow. All you have to do is blow it up! One more option could be to use a soft handbag stuffed with clothes that you don't mind getting crumpled. You could also roll a bedspread into a makeshift pillow.

The best alternative to a blanket would be a shawl - especially a warm Pashmina (Cashmere) shawl. They are very light-weight, easy to carry, occupy almost no space in the bag, and are very warm indeed! If you do not want to carry a blanket, then remember to pack clothes accordingly.

If you are used to reading some spiritual book before sleeping, nothing like it. That kind of stuff soothes the mind and calms you down and helps you relax before you go to bed. Same effect can be brought upon by some good soothing music, instrumental songs.

You might be required to switch your phones off, so it would be advisable not to carry your music on the phone. If your phone is equipped with the facility of turning it onto the airplane mode, you are good to go.

Meditation is probably one of the best things you can ever do to your mind and body. Many people like to meditate before they go to bed; it helps them feel rejuvenated when hey get up. Meditation can also give you worry-free, peaceful sleep. If you are a light sleeper, this can be very important. Deep breathing also works wonders.

Deep breathing is when you block out all thoughts, and concentrate only and only on your breathing. You observe your breathing pattern, listen to the air enter and leave your body. It has an amazing effect. If you are not very fond of meditation, deep breathing may serve the same purpose.

Avoid eating salad and raw food, as more energy is consumed to digest them. Eat something that is light on the stomach. At the same time, avoid eating junk food and oily foodstuffs. They make you uneasy, especially if you consume them just before sleeping. Also avoid consuming beverages like coffee - they are sure to drive your sleep away!

This is a rather controversial topic. Sleeping pills should be your last resort. If in spite of taking care about all the mentioned things you are unable to sleep well, only then would we advise you to consult a doctor and ask him/her about medication available to take care of your travel-insomnia.

The simple reason to be so careful about this is that one may become habituated to taking pills and depend on them so heavily that sleeping in one's own house without popping a pill becomes difficult; and that is never a good thing to happen.

It is hence best to consult your physician before you decide to consume sleeping pills. On the other hand, you can go for sleeping pills alternatives that may just do the trick without taking the risk.

Sleep is something that is more or less compromised on when we are traveling around for pleasure or work. But with the mentioned easy to follow tips, you are bound to get a good night's sleep, no matter wherever you are!