What Your Vacation Does to Your Sleep

The good news is scientists have found we sleep much better at home than away. And, now they know why…

When we travel, or sleep in a bed other than our own, our brains go into “survival” mode, only turning half off with one hemisphere remaining more awake than the other.

Scientists at Brown University knew that the FNE, or “First Night Effect,” was disturbing to sleep. Now they know that that jolting awake, which you may not even remember, is due to the left half of your brain staying more active than the other so it can respond to barking dogs or a creaking door.

Co-author of the study Yuka Sasaki says whales and dolphins are vulnerable when sleeping so they doze with only half of their brain to avoid getting caught. “Our brains may have miniature systems of what whales and dolphins have,” says Sasaki.

Scientists are studying to find ways to help those who travel a lot, saying human brains are very flexible. So, it’s possible that people who have to sleep in new places often learn to turn this night surveillance off. Dr. Sasaki says, “People who often are in new places may not necessarily have poor sleep on a regular basis.”

For those of you interested in vacationing, attending your favorite annual conference, or leading your work team on a new adventure out of town, what do the experts recommend to avoid FNE?

1) Bring your own pillow when traveling.

2) Stay in hotels with similar accommodations to your own bedroom at home.

 

  • The latest from Adrien
Adrien founded Fitness on the Run in 2004 out of her home after a successful career in policy and public affairs communications. After spending 15 years developing her own personal definition of wellness and watching thousands struggle with theirs, in January 2019 Adrien founded Alexandria Wellness, the home for the Concierge Wellness Program and Corporate Wellness with Adrien Cotton. Over the course of 15 years, “FOR” was home to more than 2,000 clients, 30 instructors, and hundreds of inspirational success stories. Adrien is now, more-than-ever, passionate about helping women view their fitness as a journey, not a quick fix. Adrien’s recipe for success herself has evolved from a rigid training plan of sweaty and heart pumping workouts to some days getting in her 10,000 steps, consciously breathing, her 7.5 hours of sleep, and her beloved 5-Minute Flow. Adrien believes the most important ingredient is making small changes for big results, even if it’s one new habit formed each month. Still passionate about fitness, Adrien’s clients appreciate her ability to make sessions seriously challenging without a “beat down,” a healthy mix of strength and metabolic (cardio) work and ultimately helping her clients gain real strength in mind and body. She believes we all benefit from being curious about our bodies and that change, or improvement, is within reach despite what your “inner voice” or others may tell you. Adrien is bubbling with excitement to help women learn the importance of a comprehensive approach to wellness, weight loss, and contentedness with yourself, and that every person has the right to feel good about themselves. Most days, you can find her helping clients with their wellness, listening to success stories, and bragging about her twin 13-year-old children and “fittest man in Alexandria” Bill Cotton. Adrien prides herself on her practice of mindfulness, meditation, and putting it all into perspective.

Alexandria Wellness offers achievable answers for anyone who is tired of chasing fitness and health without a clear plan, someone who has struggled and is not satisfied with their fitness and wellness or someone who is open to maximized healthful longevity and fitness along with healthful weight loss. Adrien and her team offer help with food guidance, body acceptance, sleep and stress issues, and insist you have fun along the way.

Schedule your free 30 minute consult here!

alexandriawellness.com

Alexandria Wellness
215 North Payne Street
Alexandria, VA 22314

703.299.9333

contact@alexandriawellness.com

 

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