It’s true, we spend about a third of our lives asleep but tend to focus on how to optimize our waking hours. We’re admittedly all sleep-deprived when it’s just as important as nutrition and exercise to keep our minds sharp, bodies fueled and emotions in check. Our friends over at Hatch know a thing or three about a good night’s sleep. Together, we’ve drummed up a few ways you can create a new morning to night routine that works for you – especially if you’re on the road and in an unfamiliar place.
Kimpton Banneker Hotel, Washington DC
SIGHT
- Blackout curtains are your very best friend and they don’t have to be bulky, dark and moody. They come in a variety of colors and weights so you can tailor it to your style and light tolerance. We recommend pairing it with a more sheer secondary curtain so you can adjust the light just so. At all of our Kimpton hotels, blackout curtains are essential to our guestrooms so don’t forget to give them some love.
- Blue light emits from our personal devices day in and day out and has its share of pros and cons. During the day, it keeps us alert but the waves are known to confuse our body’s natural circadian rhythm. Reduce your exposure through blue light blocking glasses, skincare products and by keeping your eyes off your electronics at least 45 minutes before bedtime. We know, it’s easier said than done!
- Alarms aren’t just for mornings. Set a reminder for the average amount of time it takes you to get ready for bed. Or better yet, invest in a smart sleep lamp like the ones from Hatch’s Dream Shop. We’re living in the future with an all-in-one sleep wunderkind that syncs with Amazon’s Alexa and flexes as a sound machine, night light, clock and more. They’re suitable for all ages and if you can’t part with yours when you go on a trip, feel free to take yours with you.
Hatch Restore App
SCENT
- Scent is a powerful thing and certain ones can help signal your body and brain to ease into night mode. The primary note is up to you but you can’t go wrong with popular aromas like lavender, sandalwood and bergamot that soothe and calm the senses.
- Although open flame is a no no in hotels, there are countless travel-friendly aromatherapy options to play with. We love packing our favorite bath salts/bombs, essential oils (also comes in sanitizing wipes!), room and pillow sprays and more.
SOUND
- When it comes to sound, it’s not one size fits all. Do a mini trial and error test to see if white noise, meditation tracks, soundscapes or complete silence works best for you. We love Hatch’s built-in soundscapes. The automatic timer feature makes it super easy to start winding down worry free.
- To re-energize in the morning, a musical mood booster does wonders. Our Get Up and Go playlist by Lauren, our Director of Music + Brand Activations, has been the ultimate soundtrack to tackle the day.
Kimpton Tryon Park Hotel, Photo by @kristinahendley
TASTE
- Try not to eat a few hours before bedtime since your body will be working actively to digest and break down your tacos.
- Shy away from caffeine in the evenings and opt for mellow notes of lavender and chamomile with infused waters and tea. Lemon verbena is a power player in combating insomnia and Valerian root can help ease you into la la land.
- In the morning, go for a protein-packed power breakfast to keep you satiated and avoid food comas. If you have a sweet tooth, we love overnight oats with your favorite berries, chia seeds and almonds. For the savory inclined, shakshuka is a one skillet meal that elevates the humble egg by poaching it along with spiced tomatoes and feta.
TOUCH
- Of all the places we want to be the most comfortable, it’s the bedroom. A warm shower or bath before bed can help signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. If you’re staying with Kimpton, rock our stylish robes and then settle in for the night in a cloud of pillows and luxuriously soft cotton Frette linens. You can also request feather or foam pillows so you always have the right amount of lumbar support too.
- The Sleep Foundation says the ideal room temperature for slumber is 65 degrees Fahrenheit and we’re going to listen to them. You know how we all love the cool side of the pillow? Setting the thermostat to 65 will help with that.
This article is in partnership with our friends at Hatch, where everyone sleeps better.
