Five ways to stay healthy by sleeping better when traveling

Whether you’re traveling for business and staying in a hotel, the unfamiliar bed, place, sounds and light all can interfere with your rest.

Not only are sleep interruptions frustrating when all you want is a little bit of shuteye, but it can also leave you feeling fatigued the next day when you’re scheduled to tackle work meetings.

Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system, putting you at risk of catching something when you’re already being exposed to a variety of unfamiliar germs.

Here’s what you can do on your next trip to sleep like a baby:

(1) AVOID ALCOHOL AND CAFFEINE

When you’re traveling, it is easy to fall out of your normal and healthy routine, especially when it comes to your bedtime. It can be tempting to indulge in a couple glasses of wine before bed to help you fall asleep, but alcohol can disrupt your sleep patterns and leave you feeling even more tired in the morning.

Also, if you’re tired during the day, you may reach for a cup (or two) of coffee or another caffeinated beverage to stay awake during the day. However, drinking caffeine in the afternoon can make it much harder to fall asleep and stay asleep at night.

Exercising or eating a big meal before bedtime also can make it more difficult to fall and stay asleep.

Try sipping chamomile tea and filling your hotel room with the scent of lavender before bed with a candle or some aromatic oils. They can be effective sleep aids.

(2) PACK WHAT MAKES YOU COMFORTABLE