What is Slumber Tourism | Sleep Retreat in Ireland

Author | Julio Costa Beyeler

'Sleep Tourism': An emerging trend

Image Source: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

As we daydream on and on about what would the perfect vacation be like, scenarios that include activities such as hiking, going to the beach and visiting another country come to mind, however, taking the day off and dedicating it for a good night's rest does not seem to fit under those scenarios. According to the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary, the word 'vacation' can mean "a period of time spent travelling or resting away from home" (Oxford 3000), therefore, even though it may seem out of place for some, resting is indeed a form of vacation. Even so, 'Sleep Tourism', an emerging trend since the pandemic encapsulates that essence and may just be exactly what you need.

What is sleep tourism

In a nutshell, sleep or slumber tourism is about improving your sleep quality through travel experiences in hotels catered for you by providing sleep-enhancing amenities and facilities, such as sound-proof hotel rooms with white noise or hot springs. The activity however, doesn't have to be done by itself, so next time you're looking for 'sleep experiences in Ireland', try pairing that with a nice visit to nearby cities and attractions to make the most out of the experience at the end of the day when your body is exhausted. 

A Post-Pandemic Trend in 2023

Image Source: Engin Akyurt / Pexels

Known as 'Coronasomnia', the Sleep Foundation characterizes the issue as an increase in sleep problems due to the pandemic, usually accompanied by anxiety and depression and caused by but not limited to: financial stress and confinement. According to Jahrami, et al. 2021, the global prevalence rate of sleep problems worldwide was 35.7% during this time. Thankfully, gone are the lonely nights spent doomscrolling through social media or worrying about money in the midst of a global health crisis, and ever since, people have been looking for ways to get back to their old sleeping patterns. Not only that, but even though the stigma behind it is not completely gone, owning up to and discussing mental health has been on the rise, with many leaving behind toxic workplace cultures and prioritizing their relaxation. 

Above you can see a graph on the interest searches for the term "insomnia" over the last 5 years and how it has been on a steady rise since the pandemic, peaking in 2020.

A good night's rest keeps the problems away

There are many benefits to a good night's rest, however, retreats can be specially restoring when you don't have to worry about making the bed, laundry or even what to eat, and that is what makes sleep tourism so special: it takes away the mundane to provide something that you won't be able to get at the comfort of your own bed. There are facilities designed specifically for that, for example, the Bryte Restorative Sleep Suite by New York City's Park Hyatt, 900-square feet rooms designed to provide the best rest you ever had, with intelligent cushions that can relieve the body's pressure points and control the climate throughout sleeping stages. The experience comes at the expense of around $1,095, nevertheless, similar experiences can be found in Ireland for less, such as The Sleep Care Company, who provides a €350 beauty and sleep retreat stay that includes meditation, skincare and yoga.

Even so, if you're not looking to spend a lot of money at the moment, here's 3 tips on how you can transform your own sleeping experience.

1. Worry Dolls

Image Source: Antigueña Spanish Academy

Originated in Guatemala, they are small, hand-made dolls. The technique centers around telling all of your worries to it and storing them inside their box, so that you don't keep those intrusive thoughts in your head, and instead, they will worry for you.

2. White Noise

Image Source: NewYork Times

White noise can be used to train your brain and let it know when it's time to go to sleep, for faster induction, and will also mask any outside noises that may be disturbing your night's rest. White noise machines can be bought for as cheap as €29.99 on Amazon or you can download a free app on your smartphone.

3. Weighted Blanket

Image Source: Glamour UK

By using deep pressure stimulation and promoting the production of serotonin and melatonin, weighted blankets can calm you down enough to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.

Recommendation

If you would like to know more about taking a sleep retreat in Ireland, we suggest you take a look at The Gloss's list of places for restorative sleep in Ireland as well as internationally, and Media Ireland's list of sustainable accommodations for an immersive nature experience. Any of these catch your interest? Get in touch with us today to discuss your next sleep experience in Ireland!

#sleepretreatinireland #slumbertourism #sleepexperiencesinireland #restorativesleepinireland

References

• Fry, A. (2021). Coronasomnia: Definition, Symptoms, and Solutions. [online] Sleep Foundation. Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/covid-19-and-sleep/coronasomnia.

•  Jahrami, H., BaHammam, A.S., Bragazzi, N.L., Saif, Z., Faris, M. and Vitiello, M.V. (2021). Sleep problems during the COVID-19 pandemic by population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 17(2), pp.299–313.

• Shpancer, N. (2022). Is Mental Health Stigma Decreasing? It’s Complicated | Psychology Today. [online] www.psychologytoday.com. Available at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/insight-therapy/202201/is-mental-health-stigma-decreasing-it-s-complicated.

• Simon, C. (2020). Sleep problems becoming risk factor as pandemic continues. [online] Harvard Gazette. Available at: https://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2020/04/sleep-problems-becoming-risk-factor-as-pandemic-continues/.

• Partinen, M., Holzinger, B., Morin, C.M., Espie, C., Chung, F., Penzel, T., Benedict, C., Bolstad, C.J., Cedernaes, J., Chan, R.N.Y., Dauvilliers, Y., Gennaro, L.D., Han, F., Inoue, Y., Matsui, K., Leger, D., Cunha, A.S., Merikanto, I., Mota-Rolim, S. and Nadorff, M. (2021). Sleep and daytime problems during the COVID-19 pandemic and effects of coronavirus infection, confinement and financial suffering: a multinational survey using a harmonised questionnaire. BMJ Open, [online] 11(12), p.e050672. Available at: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/12/e050672.

• Firstpost. (2023). What’s sleep tourism, the trend people are waking up to in 2023? [online] Available at: https://www.firstpost.com/explainers/sleep-tourism-travel-trend-2023-hotels-sleep-amenities-12213902.html.

• Shah, P. (2022). ‘Sleep tourism’ – what is it and what can it offer you? [online] Travel Times. Available at: https://traveltimes.ie/sleep-tourism-what-is-it-and-what-can-it-offer-you/ [Accessed 20 Mar. 2023].

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