Catching Zzzzzs

“Where do you stay when you travel?”

This is something I am constantly asked by friends and family when I hit the road. Mom’s especially get fixated on this question. They like to know that I have a roof over my head and a plan in my back pocket. 

The truth is, that’s not how it always works. Most times, I have friends already in the places I’m headed that invite me to stay with them. It allows me a local’s tour straight from the start. Other times, I find a rad hostel right in the city center to explore out of. Sometimes an airport bench serves as home for the night. It all depends on where I am and what I am doing. 

However, there are ways to make the whole process easier. 

So let’s go over those oh so important zzzzz’s and how to make the most of them by answering five vital questions:

1. How do you sleep? 

   
   

I’m a stomach sleeper. My sister is a side sleeper. I envy back sleepers. Everyone has their own favorite configuration in how to get their best nights sleep. Figuring this out is the first step in guaranteeing a good night of zzzz’s and a happy you in the morning. 

Since sleeping on my stomach is near impossible if I’m not in a bed, I compromise by always having something as a pillow. For me, having something to snuggle by my face, whether it be a real pillow, a jacket, or even a sand pile under a t-shirt, helps me fall asleep and stay asleep. I’m also 5’10” so I need to find a way to make my legs fit. If I can stretch them out I know my body will thank me in the morning. 

2. What do you need from your environment?

Do you need complete darkness? Or no noise? Does the room need to be hot or cold? Once you know these things about yourself you can manipulate the environment around you. 

I am lucky that I can fall asleep in the bright sunshine in the middle of a rock concert with no problems. Light and noise just don’t bother me. But if they bug you, invest in an eye mask and some headphones. Its a cheap and easy fix.

Temperature is a bit harder to rationalize. I can’t sleep if I’m cold. I just lay there shivering and miserable. So when I pack I sacrifice some room for extra warm clothes, knowing that if I’m going to sleep, this is how. For other friends who cant sleep if its too hot, learn to keep metal (water bottle, phone, carrabeaner) in the shade or even better in a freezer during the day. At night stick those suckers on the back of your neck or in your armpits (weird but works I promise), you'll cool down in no time. 

3. How much monetary value do you put on sleep?

   
   

Sleep is absolutely vital to staying healthy on the road. I know quite a few penny pinchers who will never in a million years spend money on a private room or a hotel. They would rather suffer sleeping on a park bench then bend and spend the cash. I don’t feel that way. If I get sick or haven't slept well in days, I invest in a night with a cozy bed. For me sleep is worth a few extra bucks. Figure how much monetary value you place on sleep and spend accordingly.  

4. What are you like without it?

   
   

If you are not traveling alone, then your sleep effects more that just you. I’m an okay person without sleep. I can go a few days and I’ll just become sadder and quieter without it. But for some people, them become angry or violent without sleep. Don’t make the people you travel with miserable because you aren’t getting your zzzz’s. Let them know what’s going on and maybe they can help you get some rest. Everyone is happier if they are sleeping well. 

5. How much sleep do you need and when will you get it?

I need eight hours of sleep a day to function. But I can break it up. If I take a two hour siesta, I can deal with only six hours of sleep at night. Some of my friends can function on four or less hours. Some need ten. Know your number and achieve it daily. Sleep experts say that if you miss your needed hours one night, it will tack on double the next day and continue this vicious cycle until you get enough rest. Fight it before it happens. 

Also know when you will get it. Are you going to sleep all afternoon to party all night? Or nap on the plane to get less sleep later? Figure out when to get that needed number. 

…..

Nothing ruins a trip like sleeping too little to remember it or so much you might as well have stayed at home. Go catch those zzzz’s and keep them close.