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Good sleep is absolutely vital for staying healthy and having a good experience while travelling. But if you’re visiting very cold climates, getting a decent night’s sleep isn’t always easy – especially if you’re used to the thin blankets and air conditioning of a warmer climate.
But don’t worry. If you struggle to sleep in the cold and are planning a trip to somewhere icy, there are plenty of ways to fall asleep and stay asleep in chillier climates.
Find the Right Sleepwear
What you wear in bed plays a pivotal role in determining your sleep quality. The body expends a significant amount of energy maintaining its core temperature overnight, so it’s important to support it with the proper clothing. Soft, cozy pajamas from SKIMS with thermal qualities can be a game-changer during icy nights.
Remember, over-layering can negatively impact your comfort and wake you up as layers start to pinch or tangle with one another, so it’s best to choose breathable, high-quality thermal pajamas for uninterrupted, warm sleep.
Check the Bedding
While the right attire is crucial, you should also pay attention to the quality of bedding in a cold environment. Before you book any accommodation, check the kind of bedding that they use. You’re looking for good quality quilts and blankets that will keep you warm without weighing you down. Wool or down feather blankets are great for retaining warmth, while thermal sheets and duvets can be very effective at keeping you cozy and comfortable on cold nights.
Stay Well Hydrated
You may not feel thirsty in cold weather, but the low humidity levels, coupled with heavy clothing, can quickly dehydrate your body. Dehydration can lead to dryness in the nasal passages and throat, which negatively impacts your sleep. So, even though you may not feel the thirst as you do in warmer places, it’s still imperative to stay hydrated in the cold.
Sip warm water or herbal tea before bedtime to keep your body working well overnight, and to maintain a regular sleep pattern.
Adopt a Healthy Sleep Ritual
Supplement your physical preparations with a healthy sleep routine. Keep electronic devices away as their blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle. A few deep-breathing exercises or a light reading can induce sleep. Try to maintain a consistent sleep cycle, even when you’re on vacation.
Protect Yourself from Frostbite
Extreme cold can cause frostbite, which is not only painful but also disruptive to sleep. Invest in warm socks and gloves to protect your extremities. If you can, travel with a portable humidifier to add moisture to the room, minimizing the risk of frostbite and promoting better sleep.
Conclusion
Sleeping well in the world’s coldest destinations may seem challenging, but the proper preparations can make it quite manageable. Investing in quality sleepwear, keeping yourself fully hydrated, choosing the right accommodation (based on its bedding, etc), and following a healthy sleep ritual can significantly enhance your sleep quality. And, when you’re fully rested, you’ll be much more able and energized to enjoy your icy adventure.
