Sleep: The new luxury

The value of a good night’s sleep for maintaining health and well-being has been brought sharply into focus since the pandemic, especially for those who travel frequently on business. According to a recent poll conducted by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine 40% of the over 2,500 adults surveyed claimed their sleep quality has declined since the  onset of Covid19.

Given this situation, it comes as no surprise that sleep tourism has emerged as a booming sector, and hotels and resorts are vying for a piece of the lucrative business. It refers to vacations that provide rejuvenating sleep-related activities that promote healthy sleep patterns.

High-end hotels are now providing personalised sleep ensembles, on-site sleep specialists, and digital detox packages specially for visitors who are sleep-deprived.

“As more individuals recognise the value of sleep in their daily lives in the post-pandemic era, the concept of sleep tourism is flourishing! Although hotels and airport lounges introduced sleep pods and other sleeping aids even earlier, fostering a culture of sleep promotion, people in the new-normal are now sold on these practises, and serious research is also being done in this area,” says Nikhil Kapur, Founder-Director, Atmantan Wellness Centre.

If only I could sleep…

Upasna Madan, cluster director, marketing, for The Westin Hyderabad

For individuals who really want to make sleep the focal point of their trip, specialised ‘sleep retreats’ are being made available in the market. Upasna Madan, cluster director, marketing, for The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace and Hyderabad Market for Marriott International, feels wellbeing has taken centre-stage simply because it is the need of the hour. “Our previous lifestyle choices and the effects of the pandemic have taken a toll. Priorities for wellbeing have undergone a paradigm shift, and recently, it has been brought home that sleep is a crucial component of health. The easiest way to refresh during a leisure trip is to sleep soundly.”

Business travellers want to pick a hotel that empowers their decisions on  wellbeing, she notes.

More than the mattress

Shaariq Akhta, general manager of ITC Kohenur

Quality sleep helps people be more productive, remember things better, and feel happier. “In keeping with the philosophy of responsible luxury, we have spent the last 20 years extensively studying the science of sleep. A sleep boutique is the go-to solution for all worries,” says Shaariq Akhtar, general manager of ITC Kohenur.

A comprehensive selection of sleep accessories, including a unique, bespoke collection of pillows, bedding, and bed linen, are available at the brand's SLEEEP boutique. “Customised sleep ensembles are available to in-house guests and are provided as an in-room amenity for premium accommodation categories. A pillow menu, sleep menu, sleep brochure, eye mask, pillow spray for restful sleep, and essential oils for stress relief are all included in the set. The sleep menu is carefully chosen to promote good sleep, while the pillow menu offers a range of 8 pillows for greater individual comfort,” adds Shaariq.

Wooing sleep
People are looking for activities that will improve their sleeping patterns, eating habits, and exercise routines. “Experience and knowledge make it clear that anxiety affects the quantity and quality of sleep. The Westin Core Pillar’s section on getting quality sleep now has a fresh emphasis. Along with distinctive brand attributes, the resort also provides a Sleep Well Lavender Balm and a specifically created Sleep Well Menu, which includes dishes that encourage sleep. A yoga instructor can assist with strategies for relaxation and meditation, which reduces sleeplessness and promotes restful sleep,” says Upasna.

For the sleep that heals

Nikhil Kapur, Founder-Director, Atmantan Wellness Centre

A balanced circadian rhythm, good mental and emotional health, controlling obesity, and hormonal balance all depend on sleep. During the Covid period, there was a build-up of lockdown anxiety, depression, mental stress and also sleepless nights due to lifestyle changes or overindulgence in gadgets. The procrastination syndrome also came into play – heavily delaying bedtime. “As a result, we saw the emergence of various sleep disorders such as going to bed late, disturbed sleep, delayed waking up, feeling drained on waking up, etc.  Weight gain due to unhealthy lifestyles, overeating and physical inactivity aggravated incidence of sleep apnoea,” says Nikhil. 

From the gut
“Diet has a significant impact on one’s circadian rhythm. The majority of the happy hormones and other neurotransmitters needed for restful sleep are formed in the gut. For this reason, it’s crucial to include a gut-cleansing meal that can improve the efficiency of sleep. Natural aids to sleep, which are less addictive and risky than drugs, are also in focus. In order to inform our clients about the best ways to promote excellent sleep, we also concentrate on sleep counselling sessions,” says Nikhil.

Immunity, metabolism, and the risk of chronic diseases are impacted by the quality of sleep. “Our general health and performance may also be affected. It was found that 3% of visitors to Atmantan in FY 21–22 had sleep disorders as their main concern. We have  created a programme called ‘Sleep Sanctuary’ to specifically address these issues and allow our visitors to enjoy sleeping or sleep holidays,” continues Nikhil.

Wake up to better health

Ashley James, General Manager of Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort

“Hotels all over the world are looking at the issue of providing their guests with a good night’s sleep very seriously. Puneet Sharma, wellness manager at Angsana Oasis Spa and Resort, advises guests on the proper diet, posture and exercises to help them sleep better. We also offer yoga sessions, breathing sessions, and aqua relaxations to help guests who are facing issues with sleep to calm down and regain control of their mind and body. We also provide Ayurvedic packages designed to help people relax and sleep better," says Ashley James, General Manager of  the resort.  

Re-set the clock
“The unprecedented disruption to our lives and livelihoods caused by the pandemic has taken a heavy toll on our mental peace and sleep quality. It takes a holistic approach to deal with the vagaries of life without losing our peace of mind or health—  medication cannot help deal with life's uncertainties. At Shreyas, we provide yoga and ayurveda therapies that help you reset your clock by allowing you to unwind, destress, and detox, and restore balance and bring about total wellbeing,” says Balaji Nanabala, CEO, Shreyas Retreat, Bangalore (a Relais & Châteaux member).

Holistic sleep solutions
 
Sleep is regarded as one of the 5 pillars of wellness at the Atmantan Wellness Centre.
 
Nikhil Kapur, Founder-Director, Atmantan Wellness Centre lists out various techniques that are used to promote quality sleep among guests, including:
* Chiro practitioner-certified mattresses
* Earthing mats
* Relaxing music
* Yoga and meditation techniques
* Sound therapy
* Sleep-mapping devices
* Hot showers
* Aroma therapy
* Ritual baths
* Yoga nidra
* Acupuncture
* Physiotherapy