Study says sleep is a priority for travelers
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Regardless of whether individuals are traveling for business or pleasure, most frequent travelers agree that a good night's rest is important to enjoying their trip and remaining productive. These findings were echoed by a recent study conducted by the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), which found that many travelers preferred their own bed to those of hotels, reports USA Today.
No place like home
The NSF polled 1,004 adults on their sleeping preferences. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the results indicated that an overwhelming majority of survey participants said they preferred their own bed to even the most luxurious hotel suites. As a result, many business travelers may prefer to stay in serviced apartments or corporate housing, as these types of accommodations can provide an experience that is much closer to home than hotels can.
For many respondents, the quality of the bedding was a key factor, with 62 percent of individuals polled indicating they felt their own pillows were superior to those provided by hotels. An additional 56 percent said their sheets at home were better, and more than half of the adults surveyed claimed their mattresses were more comfortable than those in hotels.
"I love sleeping in my bed," Dave Horowitz, a sales manager from New Jersey and frequent business traveler, told the news source. "I'm used to my pillow and the firmness of my mattress."
Although the results of the survey will come as little surprise to most people, they do reveal the potential for serviced apartments and corporate housing to more effectively meet the needs of business travelers. These facilities much more closely resemble a true home, as opposed to the generic suites found in even the most upmarket hotels. This atmosphere, and the potential for additional comforts, may result in a more pleasurable and productive business travel experience.
Hidden dangers
Getting enough rest is much more important to frequent travelers than it may appear. In addition to making it more difficult to concentrate on important tasks such as closing deals or negotiating large contracts, a lack of sufficient sleep can be highly detrimental to an individual's health.
Dr. Dan Naim, a sleep specialist based in Los Angeles, California, recently reiterated the importance of getting enough rest. Business travelers who find themselves unable to concentrate may want to take Dr. Naim's advice by monitoring their sleeping habits, especially when traveling. In some cases, frequent travelers may wish to consult with their physician if problems persist.
"Insomnia can lead to lowered productivity from decreased alertness, which can result in accident at work or while driving," said Naim. "By keeping a sleep diary for several weeks, you can identify the symptoms you experience and discuss them with your primary care doctor, who may order tests to rule out other conditions contributing to your sleep disturbances."