A “First Night Effect” Deep Dive

Ever checked into a hotel and readied yourself for deep R&R only to be met with restless tossing and turning? You're not alone. Really, you're not! Sleep researchers around the world have dubbed this the “First Night Effect” and hoteliers have been trying to combat bad sleep behaviour ever since.

Sleep is the one common denominator amongst guests, regardless of the hotel's category – from budget to luxury and every getaway in between. For anybody who has experienced an agitating first night, they can attest that not all tranquil getaways are made equal. Luckily, we've done the research (read: relaxation) for you and crafted a series of tried and tested tips for creating a serene hotel slumber.

Inhale, Exhale, Fall Asleep

If you're thinking this is all about scent… You're right!

As humans, when we smell something nice, our olfactory senses are stimulated. This sensory wakeup call sends a message to the brain to slow the heart rate and enter a state of divine relaxation.

The simplest way to build your hotel's scent memory is via the bathroom products lining the vanity. VANITY GROUP's research and development team recommend partnering with a brand that incorporates calming essential oils like Bergamot, Grapefruit, Orange and Cedarwood. Each of these fragrance notes are renowned for their soothing, mood lifting properties that can make falling asleep feel like absolute bliss.

Our recommendation? Qantas First Class Official Skincare Partner, LaGaia UNEDITED featuring Bitter Orange & Cedarwood haircare and Grapefruit & Orange body care and mindful beauty brand, YUNI featuring an aromatherapy essence hotel collection.

Sleep Enhancing Extras To Say Goodnight To Poor Sleep

Globally, hotels are introducing programs designed to optimise rest. From in-room meditation to pillow menus, and bespoke wellness suites, guests are seeking stays that support them to be the best version of themselves and that includes quality sleep.

Introducing sleep-promoting amenities doesn't need to be a resource dense exercise, make your outlets and partners work harder for you. This can be in the form of a calming in-room tea menu, or introducing mindful extras during turndown service like pillow mists or bath salts. It's a little something we like to call room servi“zzz”.

Getting Your Sleep (Disorders) In Order

Quality sleep can be hard for anyone but sleeping disorders also have a heavy hand in restlessness in nights abroad.

Regardless of finding the perfect bed that isn't too hard, nor too soft, sleep can come down to the bare essentials (goldilocks would definitely agree). If you suffer from sleep apnea, consider a travel CPAP machine, if you struggle with stress or anxiety, consider natural medications like melatonin.

Setting yourself up to be fresh and well rested will work wonders for your second night and all subsequent nights in getting used to your new environment and getting the best night sleep possible for all your following nights abroad.

Become one with your stay

Your first night in a new space can be a treat. New bed, soft pillow, a gorgeous room, a delicious mini bar and a luxury collection of designer amenities lining the bathroom vanity.

After the awe has struck and the mouth has closed from being a gape, you have at this point put your belongings to the side, looked at the bed fit for royalty in front of you and jumped right on top of it, drew in a deep breath and smiled. It's a travel tradition! But unlike princesses like Sleeping Beauty, there's more than just a kiss that will awaken you from your first night away from the comforts of your bed.

What awakens us from our much needed beauty sleep?

Why Do We Wake Up During The Night?

When adjusting to a new sleeping environment, we rest a lot like dolphins. Contrary to popular belief, this doesn't automatically result in a fin-tastic first night sleep!

The similarities begin in the left hemisphere of the brain as it becomes more vigilant and astute to protect you while sleeping. The slightest sound, external noise, light or touch can disrupt your slow wave sleep or deep sleep. The similarities stop at the anatomy, we promise you won't start growing fins!

Tips to fix this? Stick to your own routine! Bring your own pillow, pack your favourite pair of odd sleeping socks, do every ritual in the book. If you need help coming up with a fabulous bedtime routine, we have just the one for you.

The VANITY GROUP First Night Sleep Routine

Below are a collection of fabulous products from a few of our favourite brands to ensure you get all the beauty sleep you deserve. Have the sweetest dreams in your suite in just a few steps.

1. VANITY GROUP Slipper Collections - Slide into the peak of feet comfort in one of three gorgeous varieties.
2. APPELLES Bath Caviar - Slide into a warm bath, bathe, soak and feel like a star.
3. KEVIN.MURPHY Travel Kit - Lather, soothe and feel luxurious with our KEVIN.MURPHY luxury travel kit.
4. TEMPLESPA Repose Night Cream - Smooth on a vitamin-rich night time moisturiser to calm, relax, and settle.
5. Antipodes Lavendar Pillow Mist - Spritz a delicate, herbaceous scent directly onto your pillow for a restful night's sleep.
6. Eye Mask - Once you feel drowsy, slide on an eye mask, ear plugs or whatever you may need to become enveloped in a nights rest like no other.

Let Them Eat Cake (But Not Too Much)

Foodies be warned, eat all the cake you want (and gelato... and pizza... and pasta...) but it may have an adverse affect on your tummy before you hop into bed. Those delicious foods can disrupt even the sweetest of dreams (yes chocolate is a no go as well!) so try to avoid heavy and spicy meals before bed along with caffeine and alcohol.

Who are we kidding, we know you just ate a fabulous tiramisu in the most gorgeous café, we will let you eat cake but don't say we didn't warn you!

Sleep Quality Over Quantity

The first night effect can put your body clock into an untimely spiral and affect your sleep cycle, brain response, sleep duration and sleep quality. If you're trying to find some quick fixes to your sleep woes, here's some ways to achieve your deepest sleep:

• Hop off that phone, minimise screen time and open up a book. Blue Light radiating from your phone can cause unrest as your brain stays alert!
• Stick to your bedtime routine, familiarity is key.
• Adjust to your optimal sleeping temperature, use whatever tools you can, air-con, fans, open a window!
• Contact housekeeping to ensure your bedding is in order. Order a lovely pillow, change your sheets or even adjust your lighting.
• Wake up at sleep at consistent times to keep that body clock on time.
• Become a local! Exercise or go for a walk, explore the new space that you're in and adjust to the local time, don't take naps or our other tips will make little or no difference!

So, who's ready to wake up on the right side of the bed?

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