In today’s fast-paced and demanding lifestyles, individuals frequently seek vacations as a means to break away from their stressful routines. Rather than engaging in exploration, sightseeing, and adventurous activities, tourists are now opting for a more tranquil experience to unwind from their hectic schedules. Recognizing this shift in consumer behaviour, the hospitality sector has embraced this emerging trend known as Sleep Tourism. Sleep tourism entails travel experiences and destinations that are designed to enhance sleep quality and promote overall well-being. It encompasses relaxation, rejuvenation, and health improvement by offering a range of activities, accommodations, and environments conducive to a good night’s sleep.
The perception among Americans that they are not getting sufficient sleep is supported by the decrease in the number of hours of sleep they claim to get each night. As per the American Psychological Association, there is a reciprocal relationship between sleep and stress – individuals who sleep less tend to be more stressed, while those who are more stressed tend to sleep less. The latest survey indicates that 63% of those who express a desire for more sleep often experience stress, in contrast to 31% of those who obtain adequate sleep. Recent statistics reveal that almost half of all Americans, 49%, frequently experience stress, marking a 16-point increase over the last two decades and the highest level in Gallup’s history.
As the level of stress continues to rise, an increasing number of individuals are opting for sleep-focused vacations. Consequently, the hotel industry has embraced this trend by incorporating various features in their establishments such as advanced smart bed mattresses, soft colours, sleep masks, ambient sound generators, sauna, spa, aromatherapy, smart lighting, heated flooring, as well as offering teas and other soothing beverages. The sleep tourism market is projected to expand by close to 8% and surpass $400 billion between 2023 and 2028, as per an analysis conducted by HTF Market Intelligence. Many hotels have introduced sleep suites to provide an enhanced experience, such as The Park Hyatt hotel chain in New York and Chicago, or Zedwell in London. For instance, The Park Hyatt New York currently offers five Bryte sleep suites (starting from $1,095), which were introduced after the hotel reopened following a 376-day closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Written by: Tvisha Patel
