Why Do I Want to Sleep So Often on My Summer Vacation?
It’s not just jetlag.
I’m 10 days into my summer vacation. Why is it I want to sleep 10–12 hours a day? Having flown — literally — halfway around the world, I’ve gotten over my jetlag and pre-vacation stresses. I’ve settled into a new routine and time zone and have reunited with old friends and favorite places. I’m relaxing into my continental lifestyle again and have caught up on rest.
Then why am I so sleepy?
There are several reasons why you may be falling asleep at the wheel of your lengthy vacation.
The older we get, the more we notice how different aspects of travel affect us. Unless we’re off to a week-long Spring Break Beach Party in Mexico — where we’d be dodging exhaustion with shots of tequila and all-night dancing— we feel the toll travel takes upon our bodies.
Jetlag is just the beginning.
If you travel more than three time zones away from your home on a flight or long road trip, your body likely needs the opportunity to catch up on sleep, and reset its clocks and circadian rhythms. Rest patterns have been disrupted and must be adapted to your new location.
You have to try to conquer that “drag” you get from flying. Staying awake for many hours — as well as riding in an uncomfortable position for long periods of time on a plane or in a vehicle — can take a toll on the body.
To avoid being awake at the wrong time, i.e. what your body is used to according to the time zone back home (checking your phone for messages, counting sheep, tossing and turning, or doing whatever you can to fall back asleep), try the following:
Tip # 1: Sleep as much as possible during your journey, so you’ve gotten at least a few hours of rest. This also helps you while away the boredom of a long flight.
Tip # 2: When you arrive at your destination, tuck in along with the locals.
Caution: this may require a bit of endurance on the first day. For example, if you travel from the U.S. to Europe, the time difference can be up to 12 hours. Stay awake until it’s bedtime in the country you’re in. That way, you should be able to zonk out for the requisite amount, waking up with the sun in your new location.
If your hosts go to sleep at 10 p.m., make that your bedtime. However, if you’re in a place like Barcelona, Spain where locals party until the wee hours, you either need to join them or get some earplugs. I’d recommend the latter.
Tip # 3: Avoid strenuous exercise, caffeine, and other stimulants late in the day. And you can have those shots of tequila if you wish — just don’t drink too much of any kind of alcohol. These things will keep you awake when you should be sleeping.
You’re Eating Different Foods
Sticking to your regular diet is more difficult when traveling, but that’s part of the joy and thrill of experiencing a different culture and a particular place. You want to taste everything! And you should.
Steer clear of junk food while on the road or at the airport: it can make you feel groggy. You may also be tempted to eat more sweets and drink more soda pop, which can throw you into a sugar coma. Your choices will be limited depending on where you’re going, and you can’t get to your favorite grocery or health food store. When possible, pack something healthy for your trip so that your body doesn’t feel so dragged down.
Chances are that anywhere you visit, your diet will be different. If your hosts like to barbecue every night, you’ll increase your intake of meat. Along with consuming more ribs and chicken, you are joining family for happy hour. Don’t stress it — just offset it. Offer to make a good salad or vegetable side dish to counterbalance the effects on your digestion, and drink lots of water as you go to offset dehydration caused by the cocktails.
Even different spices can have an affect on your metabolism — and your digestive system — giving you more energy or slowing you down. There will be many delicious things you want to try! Vacations call for different behaviors like drinking wine and sampling local gastronomy, with extravagant dishes and rich desserts.
Along with these new foods your body is processing comes the dreaded C-word: constipation. Constipation is often caused by sitting on a plane or in a car for many hours, accompanied by sudden changes in your diet, such as more meat and dairy.
Be sure to offset your fancy food choices with lots of fiber in the form of fruits and vegetables. This will keep your digestive system regulated so you don’t feel bogged down and worn out. Drink plenty of water, to help your bodily functions work optimally and keep you moving and energized.
Your Routine and Physical Activities Are Different
Your activity levels have changed. Used to a long walk in the morning with your dog or an hour-long workout at the local gym? Is the Fit app on your phone not working due to limited wifi, or are you are missing your sports equipment or yoga mat? Your body knows the difference when you can’t get your exercise, and you’ll feel more tired.
Try to keep yourself physically moving as much as possible. For example, stick to your morning routine of working out, even if it’s not as demanding as what you’re used to. Go for a jog, find a place to hike; take a walk on the beach, or in the woods, or through an interesting old neighborhood in the city you’re visiting.
Enhance your enjoyment by strolling after dinner with someone special you’re visiting. This will accomplish several tasks: instead of laying around with a full stomach, you’re burning calories and helping your body digest your meal, while bonding with a loved one.
Don’t be hesitant about starting a new routine, vacation-style. Take those after-dinner walks with your dear one every evening. Eat a delicious piece of fruit (produce grown locally can be exotic!) every morning. Sightsee! Find ways to stay active and healthy while enjoying yourself. You’ll feel more energized.
You’re Unwinding
All the stresses from the weeks and months leading up to your vacation are disappearing, one by one. Do you feel it?
Ahhhhh. You’re relaxing. This is what vacation is for.
You’re enjoying yourself, and taking an afternoon nap can be part of that. Don’t fight it! You’re on a break from work, so enjoy and go with the flow. Your body is telling you what you need, so soak it up, whether that be sunshine, snoozing, or simply chilling out in your new favorite hotel lounge chair. Even a few minutes of downtime and going horizontal on a couch or bed will get you energized for your next adventure.
You’re At Peace
Have you found yourself in a place that makes you feel utterly comfortable? Is it becoming your home away from home?
I find that when I’m visiting people I love, I get relaxed — and very sleepy — in their households. Being exposed to familiar noises or a lilting conversation in another room can be soothing to our souls.
For example, when my oldest sister is in her kitchen cooking, talking on the phone or laughing away with her husband, it’s music to the ears. Family moments like these can bring you back to your childhood. You’re there, but you’re not actively participating and having to think. This in itself is relaxing. It’s great being the guest, isn’t it?
You’re at Rest
When you sleep a lot while away, don’t worry that you’ve been afflicted with narcolepsy. The desire to take extra naps is your body telling you what you need. Enjoy the rest and relaxation, and be grateful for the restful time you have planned for.
Wallow in the peace you’re experiencing! Downtime is dream time. When you’re back to your regular, busy life and back at work, you’ll be glad you had the chance to doze off as much as possible while on vacation.
