Sleep deprivation is a real issue for travel professionals. It’s hard to be productive when you’re running on empty—yet many travel advisors, hotel sales teams and tour operators don’t get the rest they need to perform at their best.
This is especially true while on a FAM trip, early morning site visits and late-night networking stretch the workday beyond its limits. Tight schedules and late-night client calls can wreak havoc on sleep patterns. So, what’s a busy travel pro to do? Try a little “nappuccino.” What’s that?
As explained by sleep medicine expert Dr. Audrey Wells on a recent Caesars Entertainment-sponsored Return on Wellness episode on unlocking the power of sleep for professionals, it’s simple: drink a quick cup of coffee or espresso, then take a 15–20 minute nap in a quiet space with dim lighting and minimal noise. By the time you wake up, the caffeine kicks in, enhancing alertness, memory retention and cognitive performance.
Other key sleep strategies for travel professionals include prioritizing a consistent seven to eight hours of rest and maintaining a regular sleep schedule, even when constantly on the move. While on the road, bring along sleep-supporting essentials such as:
- Blue light–blocking glasses
- An eye mask
- Electrical tape to cover bright lights in hotel rooms
- Nasal saline spray to combat dry cabin or hotel air
Managing your circadian rhythm can also make a big difference. Get bright light exposure within an hour of waking—sunlight helps regulate your internal clock and adjust to new time zones. Reduce blue light exposure from screens at least two to three hours before bedtime, and if you must use a device, wear blue-light–blocking glasses.
Another handy hotel hack: use hangar clips to close those pesky curtain gaps that let in unwanted light. Also, keep your hotel room cool (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit), stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake to one or two drinks, stopping at least three hours before bedtime.
But sleep isn’t just important for travel pros—it’s vital for clients, too.
Consider booking accommodations with comfortable, quiet rooms, away from high-traffic areas. Include sleep-friendly amenities such as white noise machines and blackout curtains, and suggest lighter evening meals with non-alcoholic, low-sugar beverage options. Also, offer downtime upon arrival so travelers can adjust before diving into activities.
By prioritizing rest, both you and your clients will feel more refreshed, focused and ready to make the most of every journey.
For more tips on better sleep and other health and wellness strategies, check out the full series of the Return on Wellness podcast.
