Embracing the Sleep Revolution

Sleep is the foundation of a healthy life.

As a long-term insomniac, well-versed with that annoying 2 am busy brain and one hundred green bottles hanging on the wall, my sleep hygiene is a big consideration when I book a stay away and I dread an uncomfortable bed, lumpy or flat pillows and a room full of electronic LED lights staring back at me! 

So, I am heartened to read that I am not alone with my sleep struggles, a recent survey confirmed that improving sleep is high on the list of people’s goals when they go away for a break, but only 33% of people confirmed that their sleep improved which leaves 67% of people who as we would say have “room for improvement”.

It seems that today’s travellers are no longer just looking for a nice place to stay, they are actively looking for an escape from their overstimulated, supercar-paced life and seeking an immersive experience to rejuvenate their bodies and minds.

If we can improve our sleep, the health benefits are well-documented from clearer thinking, and improved productivity to having more energy to go out and enjoy our holiday free time and our everyday life with more enthusiasm.

Why embrace the sleep-cation market?

The well-being trend continues to thrive in 2024.

As a host, tapping into this growing market , and investing in your guest’s overall well-being could set your property stay experience apart. 

A great night’s sleep can transform a regular overnight stay into a fabulous experience.

I remember the Silent Night mattress adverts and the Premier Inn campaign promoting your choice of pillow for a good night’s sleep.  When I find a place with dreamlike comfy beds and marshmallow-melting pillows, it’s one I would definitely add to my stay favourites list to book again.

If you can get your guests sleeping like babies and leave a long-lasting impression. …..you could transform someone’s quality of life well beyond their time staying with you.

With 50% of our population being women and many women aged 45 – 55 are statistically more likely to struggle with sleep struggling with menopause symptoms for several years, is a market of sleep-deprived women to tap into and offer your support to. Menopause and women’s well-being retreats a concept with a huge market.

Rested happy guests are far more likely to leave a positive review which will boost your trust rating increase customer loyalty for repeat bookings and attract those guests, who like me, who are still searching for the holy grail of a good night’s sleep.

Creating the perfect sleep sanctuary

Creating a sleep sanctuary, one which you can’t wait to slumber into at the end of a day of local sightseeing is a real art with attention to detail and one that I feel that many hosts focus on the aesthetics but overlook some of the smaller details which could make all the difference.

A trend of healthier hot drinks was recently supported by several Dragons in the Dragons Den when Liam Browne the founder of the plant-based ceremonial grade Full Power Cacao drink, successfully secured investment for his natural restorative alternative chocolate drink.  Providing a bedtime selection of quality caffeine-free hot drinks would be a lovely way to soothe the mind ready for bed after a day of local sightseeing and activities.

A quality bedframe which doesn’t move or squeak with a high-quality comfortable mattress and a bamboo comfort topper creates the foundation for a good night’s sleep. 

Providing a “Sleep is personal” choice of feather or fibre duvets and pillows to personalise sleep comfort, and investing in hotel-quality cotton bed linen, which is known to help regulate body temperature, with a removable top throw, will prepare your beds like a “sleep nest” for the perfect night’s sleep. 

Beside the bed provide a water jug and glass, a fresh eye mask, some ear plugs and some sleep spray or essential oils, and a QR code to listen to some sleep-enhancing sounds will provide those special thoughtful touches that your guests may not expect but very much appreciate.

Installing black-out curtains to eliminate external light, and adjustable room and bedside lighting, covering any LED electronic on/off lights to reduce light disturbance for those like me who are sensitive to light will create a cosy night-time haven. 

Room ventilation and remote temperature controls avoid that stuffy hotel room scenario trying to navigate wall-mounted digital controls in the dark using your mobile phone! 

Hosting business takeaway 

In the competitive landscape of short-stay rentals, embracing the “sleep-cation” well-being travel trend is not just a smart business choice, it’s an investment in your guest’s overall well-being.  

Creating a sleep-cation environment where guests can relax and ‘sleep like a baby’ is the secret to your guests fully enjoying memorable and sought-after experiences.