Sleep – we all need it, probably don’t get enough of it, and don’t fully realize the negative effects when deprived of it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called insufficient sleep a public health problem, and, unfortunately, our 24-7, device-connected world doesn’t help lull us into much-needed slumber.
Growing research points to the importance of sleep and the tangible health effects of sleep deprivation, such as cardiovascular disease, depression, higher chance of car accidents, reduced alertness, and diminished productivity. Based on research conducted by RAND Europe, “Sleep deprivation is linked to a higher mortality risk,” and it has big financial implications with the U.S. sustaining “the highest economic losses (up to $411 billion a year).”
Hotels are in a position to help. Since many properties are already touting wellness travel, it’s a natural fit for them to create a restorative sleep environment for both business and leisure travelers. Here are the top five ways hotels can encourage good sleep.
Cleanliness Counts
Mattress cleanliness matters A LOT when it comes to fostering quality sleep, whether in an economy-priced hotel or luxury property.
Guest have real concerns about bed bugs or other pest infestation, allergens (like skin cells and dust mites), mold, bacteria, fungus, and inevitable human error (such as accidents, incontinence and spills). The struggle is real…concerns about contaminants can turn guests into anxious, nervous hotel dwellers where they think every itch is a bed bug, ultimately preventing good sleep.
Hoteliers can significantly diminish these worries and give guests peace of mind for sleeping by utilizing long-lasting waterproof encasements that envelope the mattress and box spring. For example, Protect A Bed’s AllerZip Smooth Mattress Encasement is a flexible, six-sided, waterproof and chemical-free product that guards against bed bugs, common allergens, pet dander and liquid damage.
A Sleep Oasis = Soothing Night’s Rest
The bed is essential for proper sleep, but the environment it calls home can tremendously contribute to encouraging slumber. How can hotels create a sleep oasis?
- Start by outfitting rooms with supportive, comfortable mattresses, so travelers can wake up well-rested and reinvigorated for the day ahead
- Make sure heating and air-conditioning units are functioning properly in all guest accommodations for comfortable room temperatures
- Create slumber kits with ear plugs and eye masks to block out noise and light
- Tap into your creativity by offering in-room aromatherapy, candle-lit baths, and chamomile tea to help generate a soothing night’s rest.
The Potential Of Pillow Power
Say good-bye to flimsy pillows, and give your guests a high-quality place for them to lay their heads at night.
Consider offering pillow menus to enhance sleep quality, plus foster better spine alignment and alleviate neck/back pain) – feather, goose down, buckwheat, memory foam, hypo-allergenic – in soft, medium or firm choices. Even if guests are not pillow-picky, offer them an option because they might find a pillow they like. Communicate with guests prior to arrival, and suggest they bring their own pillowcases to drive that “home away from home” feeling. Hotels can also maintain pillow hygiene with Protect A Bed’s waterproof pillow protectors.
Creating a sleep sanctuary from bed to pillow is crucial to achieving functional wellness because it reinvigorates guests, ultimately driving higher levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty. According to noted sleep psychologist and Samina Founder Dr. Med. (h.c.) Gunther W. Amann-Jennson, “Guests spend about one-third of their vacation sleeping. Good sleep on a good hotel bed is one of the principle reasons for making a booking in the hotel business.”
Guide Employees To Sleep Well
Good sleep is not just for guests – hotel employees need it, too. According to the RAND Europe study, “On an annual basis, the U.S. loses an equivalent of about 1.23 million working days due to insufficient sleep.”
Provide your staff with sleep tips and access to high-quality bedding from your preferred vendors. It’s a simple fact – when employees are sleep deprived, they are less productive and at higher risk for on-the-job accidents. But, when employees sleep better, they are more productive – and that trickles down to an improved guest experience. In a show of support for inspiring good sleep, Protect A Bed will consider partnerships with hotels and offer them employee-purchase programs of their products.
Be Proud & Spread The Word
Once a hotel has implemented positive sleep-inducing efforts, share the news and become a model for urging good sleep and the substantial benefits to guests and employees.
Through on-property signage, informative communications, and general word of mouth, let travelers and employees know that proper sleep bolsters happiness, health and productivity. Also, communicate your commitment and investment to their health and well-being. This could lead to positive praise on social media and trip review sites, which are proven influencers in driving customer bookings.
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Slumber to success…encouraging good sleep makes smart health and business sense, and hotels that make this a top priority are likely to reap the benefits of higher guest satisfaction and enhanced staff productivity. Now, go get some rest.