Traveling and Sleep
There are a few ways that traveling might impede your sleep. The most notorious way is jet lag, which is the fatigue and interruption in circadian rhythm functioning when traveling long distances that take you outside your home time zone. When you're traveling more than a couple of hours away experiencing some jet lag is almost a given.
Another reason is simply discomfort with sleeping in an unfamiliar place. If this is the case for you, then taking some measures to relax your mind, as well as keeping one or two of the following remedies on hand, could make all the difference for the better.
A Word About Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is always important, whether you're traveling or not. Maintaining your
typical bedtime routine while traveling is beneficial for your sleep, starting with what time you usually go to bed. Other things that can be of great benefit to your sleep include avoiding light-emitting screens (e.g., phone and TV) for at least an hour before bed, and keeping the room under 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is optimal for sleep.
Another measure that can be particularly helpful while traveling is to bring your own pillow and blanket, which might increase your mental comfort in sleeping in a bed that is not your own. There's no place like home, and taking a piece or two of it with you can be calming, which is beneficial to sleep.
Sleep Aids for Travel
As with any supplementation you are looking at trying out, it is advised you discuss your use of any of the following with your physician.
Melatonin is a common natural supplement recommended for individuals experiencing insomnia. Melatonin is a hormone released in the body that initiates sleepiness. Therefore, it plays an important role in contributing to the circadian rhythm of your body and mind. It is specifically helpful for overcoming jet lag, particularly when losing time such as when you travel to an eastern time zone. Wonder Labs offers
kids strength melatonin, as well as
adult melatonin
Valerian is an herb that is commonly used as a
sleep aid, with its sleep-inducing efficacy backed by some scientific evidence to suggest that valerian can help improve the quality of sleep. However, consistent use over a period of a few weeks might be necessary in order to feel a noticeable difference. Wonder Labs offers a unique blend of valerian root, passion flower and magnesium called Valerin.
L-tryptophan is an amino acid and factors in
protein creation. Unfortunately, it must be consumed (regularly) because your body does not produce on its own. Among other benefits, it has been credited with helping individuals with sleep issues and who are otherwise healthy fall asleep faster.
Magnesium is a vital mineral that serves many roles in the body including helping you sleep. It is believed to be especially helpful for the elderly who are experiencing insomnia.
Doxylamine is an antihistamine that is commonly used as a sleep aid. This over-the-counter medication is often used to
treat short-term insomnia in addition to alleviating symptoms of seasonal allergies or the common cold. It is recommended that you take the prescribed dose of doxylamine about 30 minutes before bedtime.
Snoozze-Ezz sleep supplement that provides nutritional support for mild sleep problems associated with tension and stress.
