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Did you know? A quarter of French people feel anxious about sleeping badly on vacation. At least that’s what a new study suggests.
Sleep on vacation, a sensitive subject
If you’re worried about sleeping less well on vacation, you’re not alone. According to a survey conducted by OnePoll and 72 Point Media for the Japanese brand MUJI, a quarter of French people are affected by this problem.
They would also be more than half to feel the need “to go back on vacation as soon as we get back”.
Indeed, “Less than one in eight French people sleep adequately during their holidays“, the survey reveals.
The cause: the potential change of environment and pace, a bad mattress or even the stress generated by this summer break (the famous pre-holiday burnout, due to files to be completed and vacation preparations).
Poor sleep, which could eliminate the saving – and long-awaited – effect of the holidays.
“It is extremely important to prioritize complete rest and maximize deep sleep to avoid overwork and maintain our well-being throughout the year. Research has shown that we start to feel rested, less anxious and in a better mood after three days of vacation. However, if the quality of sleep is poor, the vacation could have the opposite effect,” confirms the Dr Neil Stanley, President of the British Sleep Society and sleep expert.
Booking, increased stress
If the French are attached to rest during their holidays – “82% believe it is crucial to feel rested after a vacation“According to the survey – the study reveals that three quarters of respondents are anxious”to the idea of booking their vacation“.
Indeed, more than 51% of French people surveyed feel overwhelmed by their own demands. They wish that “everything is perfect” during their journey.
In other words, by planning: comfortable and Instagrammable accommodation, pretty outfits, enjoyable activities… Vacationers spend around nine days looking for a destination, which represents a considerable investment in time.
“The pressure of vacation can be counterproductive if we feel pressured to have fun.“, confirms the study.
Disturbed sleep: disruptive elements to take into account
According to the survey, if the French sleep badly on vacation, it is because their sleep is disturbed by 3 elements:
- The noise ;
- Temperature ;
- An uncomfortable bed.
However, these elements are directly linked to the chosen place of stay.
Therefore, several factors should be considered to sleep better:
- The choice of destination;
- The weather (if you can’t stand the heat, choose countries with a temperate temperature);
- Your physical condition (avoid the tent if your condition does not allow it);
- And of course, bedding on site.
“It is important to prepare before going on holiday. Once you have chosen your destination, you need to select the right elements to create the perfect holiday. Studying the climate and environment of your place of stay should be as automatic as preparing your luggage,” confirms the MUJI director Masato Arai.
“A peaceful holiday is the result of many factors that combine to create fantastic memories, but this is only possible if we prioritise rest and choose the destination that will allow us to sleep well,” he adds.
Consult a doctor online for your sleep disorders
Our tips for sleeping better
Do you often have trouble sleeping during your vacation? There are several simple tips to help you fall (back) into the arms of Morpheus.
- Maintain a regular sleep routine. Even on vacation, try to go to bed and get up at similar times. This habit will help you regulate your body clock and improve the quality of your sleep.
- Create an environment conducive to sleep. Make sure your bedroom is conducive to rest. For example, use a mask to block out incoming light or earplugs to limit noise.
- Limit excesses. Some heavy meals, or meals rich in alcohol, can disrupt sleep.
- Avoid screens. Limit use of phones and other screens at least an hour before bed, as blue light can interfere with melatonin production.
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