A beautiful European country seems to be the best place for a good night’s sleep.
Sweden is emerging as a global destination for sleep tourism, offering sleep-deprived visitors the chance to unwind and rejuvenate.
VisitSweden says that the country’s “unique natural environment” provides the ideal setting for “anyone longing for restorative sleep and a digital detox”.
This is because of the natural darkness in autumn and winter, a cool outdoors with the optimal sleeping temperature of just 18C, clean air, and the peace and quiet.
Christian Benedict, a sleep researcher at Uppsala University, has explained the science behind Sweden’s appeal as a sleep tourism destination.
He said: “The abundance of accessible nature and large areas of peaceful wilderness, combined with dark nights, cool temperatures, and a cultural emphasis on relaxation, makes Sweden an ideal location for sleep tourism.
“Studies have shown that technology and the way it impinges on our lives has a significant effect on our sleep, and spending more time in nature is tied to better mental health and fewer sleepless nights.”
Thérèse Cedercreutz of Scandic Hotels Group said Sweden is one of Europe’s most digitised societies and the company’s focus on sleep wellness is due to this.
She said: “Our interest in sleep, and especially the lack of it, can be traced to this and an increased awareness of its impact on our health, which we have set out to counteract with a range of measures.
“We have blackout rooms, sleep-inducing playlists, and wellness areas where mobile phones are banned. If our customers don’t sleep, our business as well as their health suffers.”
Sweden is not the only place embracing a visitor’s need for a good night’s sleep. London’s Cadogan Hotel has its own Sleep Concierge service, developed in association with hypnotherapist and sleep expert Malminder Gill, who provides a programme of guided sleep meditation.
Geneva’s Mandarin Oriental has a package with a private sleep clinic that involves studying guests’ sleeping patterns and creating individual sleep programmes.
And in Thailand, the Civa-Som Hua Hin’s resident naturopath will guide you through everything from diet to hormones that may be affecting circadian rhythms.