Why Do We Sleep Better in Hotels?

Upon arriving in Stockholm last October, I trudged through the lobby of my boutique hotel, feeling sore and achy. I was completely drained—not just from the seven-and-a-half-hour flight where I struggled to find a comfortable position, but also because I hadn’t had a good night’s sleep before embarking on my vacation.

Sleeping used to come easily to me. It seemed I could doze off anywhere—on the D.C. Metro during my commute or on New York’s MTA after brunch. I could nap in parks, at bars, in church, and even in the middle seat of an airplane.

However, everything changed over the last decade. Sleep started to elude me, despite spending thousands to upgrade my living space with stylish furniture, investing in a high-end mattress marketed to me on Instagram, and installing mood lighting that shifted with the time of day. All that effort barely made a difference in my poor sleep habits.

When it comes to sleep, traveling is where I find my reprieve—whether for work or leisure. The best rest I’ve experienced often occurs away from my own bed, leading me to occasionally book staycations at hotels throughout New York City, where I live, just to feel rejuvenated.

The Stockholm hotel was quite small, even for European standards, nestled in a dim alcove overlooking a children's playground, complete with a noisy fan. Yet, the moment I slipped under the covers, sleep enveloped me, and I didn't leave my room until late the next day.

I first realized the connection between travel and better sleep during a trip to Mauritius in late 2021. That getaway came at a difficult time in my life, both professionally and personally. Despite the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean, the fresh air, and the pleasant weather, I struggled to unwind. I was anxious, glued to my phone, and drained by a toxic work environment that left me feeling on edge. Even in paradise, tranquility was elusive.

Until I went to bed.

When I nestled into the sheets at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort, a luxurious hotel on the southwestern coast of the island, the worries of the world began to dissolve. Whether it was the plush mattress, the cool linens, the soaring ceilings, or the gentle breeze on my skin, I experienced two full days of sleep during my six-day stay in one of the most stunning countries on Earth. It wasn't the time change; as a travel writer, I was well-versed in beating jet lag, but something allowed the tension in my back to ease.

At that moment, I believed my experience in Mauritius was a rare occurrence, but I soon discovered that my deep sleep wasn't confined to that location or any specific hotel chain. Each time I stayed at a hotel, I woke up feeling significantly more refreshed—so much so that I began to schedule time just for sleeping—and returned from my trips feeling revitalized compared to when I departed.

What I experienced in my own body was reflected by others as well. The online flight aggregator and travel agency Skyscanner recently published a Travel Trends report for 2024, revealing that sleep tourism is gaining attention. In a survey of 18,000 respondents worldwide, including 2,000 from the USA, 49 percent of Americans reported sleeping better while on vacation. They credited this rest to "calm, clutter-free environments, escaping everyday stress, and increased physical activity."

I definitely belong to that group. But why do we seem to achieve our deepest sleep when we're away from home? To help unravel this mystery (and perhaps recreate the experience at home), I consulted Shelby Harris, a licensed clinical psychologist and the director of sleep health at Sleepopolis, a website that evaluates bedding products.

Harris explained that premium bedding, a supportive mattress, and a soothing atmosphere—all combined with a break from everyday pressures—are key reasons people tend to sleep better in hotels. These establishments can provide all of these essentials.

How hotels are enhancing travelers' sleep

The hospitality sector has recognized this advantage and is embracing it. Nowadays, pillow menus have become standard (for instance, the Benjamin New York offers ten varieties, including buckwheat, cooling, anti-snore, and water-filled options), and many hotels now offer dedicated sleep services. The Royal Champagne Hotel & Spa in France has a unique turndown service that includes spritzing the room with a calming mist and playing a guided meditation track. Langham hotels feature a Sleep Matters program that provides amenities like weighted blankets and CBD-infused snacks. The Cadogan, a Belmond Hotel in London, offers a sleep concierge who curates relaxation items and can meet with guests to create personalized sleep rituals for an extra fee. Some Six Senses properties even have experts available to monitor your sleep patterns and recommend massages and treatments based on the findings. Additionally, sleep retreats are increasingly popular as vacation options.

However, the foundation of this enjoyable sleep experience begins with the essentials: the bedding.

Julie Bourgeois, senior vice president for retail at Four Seasons at Home, highlights that the acclaimed Four Seasons mattress was first introduced in 1984 and has undergone enhancements over the years, guided by insights from sleep specialists and hotel patrons. "In creating mattresses for Four Seasons hotels and resorts worldwide," she states, "we consider numerous factors to guarantee we deliver the ultimate comfort for an exceptional night’s sleep."

For instance, she notes that the mattresses incorporate gel and foam materials to regulate sleeping temperature. They are also designed to minimize motion transfer, and after manufacturing, they undergo a rigorous process where they are compressed continuously 100,000 times over a day. This method, known as Cornell Durability Testing, was developed by Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.

Reproducing the "hotel sleep effect" at home

While research indicates that a traveler’s ability to achieve restful sleep in hotels can differ based on various individual factors (such as how a change in environment might disrupt some people or how a person’s age can influence sleep patterns), studies have generally shown that the quality of the hotel room is significant. In essence, factors like room temperature, darkness, and the comfort of the mattress and pillows contribute to better sleep.

Experts offer tips on how to recreate that enjoyable sleep experience when you're not traveling. According to Harris from Sleepopolis, "Concentrate on enhancing your sleeping environment and routine. You might consider upgrading your bedding for improved comfort, minimizing light and noise disruptions with blackout curtains or white noise machines, and maintaining your room temperature between 60 and 69 degrees Fahrenheit."

Nowadays, hospitality brands are simplifying the process for travelers to enjoy hotel-quality mattresses, pillows, and linens in their own homes. Had a great night's sleep at a Four Seasons resort? You can purchase the mattress, starting at $2,800 for a twin size. If you invest over $20,000, a personal concierge will visit your home to launder your Four Seasons sheets and bedding, giving you the sensation of slipping into cool, crisp hotel linens. Marriott brands also sell their products online, including Ritz-Carlton’s custom mattresses and Westin’s famed “Heavenly Bed,” along with pillows, bedding, room sprays, and candles.

Perhaps that's what I should explore next. I returned from that Stockholm hotel feeling more refreshed than ever, just like I did in Mauritius. However, despite enjoying a warm shower, fluffing my pillows, dimming the lights, and curling up in bed ready to drift off, I found myself wide awake. Instead, I lay there scrolling through Instagram and TikTok videos, contemplating my next journey—and my next peaceful night’s sleep.