You’re on an important business trip in an unfamiliar city or country and you can’t fall asleep, even though you know you have to. Whether it’s nerves, jet lag, or simply being uncomfortable in a foreign place, it can be difficult to get comfortable.
Many of our EWR Airport parking members have been in your shoes. Here are some of the tips and tricks they use to fall asleep easier and get a good night’s rest:
Drown out the sound of traffic, someone snoring in the next room, the rattling HVAC system, and any other distracting sound with a soundscape. Whether it’s the sound of the ocean, a babbling brook, a peaceful jungle, or simply white noise, a comforting sound will help you fall asleep. Invest in an app for your phone or a soundscape machine.
Controlling your breath can help you relax, ease tension, and lower your blood pressure, making it easier to fall asleep. Try the 4-7-8 method used in yoga (breath in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold your breath for 7 seconds, and exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds). Or, focus on tensing and relaxing each muscle group (from your feet up to your shoulders) while breathing slowly. Breath in through your nose as you tense, then out through your mouth as you relax.
Studies show that people tend to fall asleep easier in a cooler environment, so turn your thermostat down to around 65 degrees before you go to bed. You should be able to drift off a little easier.
Often times it’s hard for you to fall asleep because you’re replaying the day’s events, thinking about what you have to do tomorrow, or worrying about getting your work done. Before going to bed, write down your thoughts in a journal. You’ll clear your head and feel a little more relaxed when you lay down.
Dr. Leo Buscaglia was a professor and motivational speaker at the University of South Carolina. In his one book, he suggests: While lying in bed, concentrate on all of the worries and things that are bothering you. Picture them all moving toward the tip of your nose. Once they’re all there and your mind is clear, picture them falling off the edge of your nose, as though you’re getting rid of them.
There are certain places on the body that, if placed under pressure, can help promote sleep and relaxation. One is the small indent at the top of your nose, between your eyebrows. Press gently on that area with your thumb for 20 seconds, then release. Repeat twice. Another area is the indent between your big toe and second toe. Sit on the edge of your bed and put your right foot across your left knee. Find this area and press gently, holding for 20 seconds. Repeat twice.
Raising the temperature of your skin can help your body relax, so take a hot shower or bath for at least 20 minutes before you lay down.
The scent of lavender has been proven to calm the senses and ease your mind. Sprinkle a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or blanket, or use a flameless wax melter and lavender waxes to fill the room with the scent.
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