Sleep is no laughing matter. Lack of zzzs has been linked to everything from increased blood pressure and heart disease to obesity, diabetes and depression. Sleep deprivation also makes it difficult to participate fully at conferences, and even harder to remember what you learned.
The hospitality sector is not taking this problem lying down. A number of brands have adopted measures to help guests get the rest they need, and in the process, teach them something about how to maintain positive, restful hygiene. Here are some examples that could be included in your next event.
Bed Time
Westin introduced Heavenly Beds—ultra-comfortable mattresses, linens, pillows and duvets, in 1999. To spread the healing power of sleep, Westin’s ThreadForward program donates used linens to Clean the World, which recycles the super-soft fabrics by upcycling them into children’s pajamas. Delivering Good, Westin’s nonprofit partner, then distributes the pajamas to those in need. Booking room blocks at a Westin incorporates that CSR mission in the event.
High-Tech Down Time
Sleep is one of AccorHotels’ pillars of wellness. The company partnered with startup neuroscience company Rythm to offer members visiting Pullman Paris Centre-Bercy and Pullman San Francisco Bay Dreem headbands that monitor and facilitate sleep using sound-based cues based on biofeedback data. Sound simulations allow wearers to fall asleep an average of 30 percent faster, increase deep sleep and wake up refreshed, thanks to a smart alarm that prevents sleep inertia by waking guests up during the lightest part of the sleep cycle. Finally, it gives feedback on the sleep journey so participants can work to improve every night’s rest.
Meditation Pose
Sanctuary Spa at Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa in Paradise Valley, Arizona, offers Yoga Nidra sleep-guided meditation. This quiet practice focuses on breathing to slow the mind, relieve stress and allow the body to release toxins. Participants enter a state of deep relaxation, while maintaining full consciousness and achieving an enhanced level of connection and well-being physically, mentally and emotionally. Yoga International calls this yogic sleep one of the easiest yoga practices to develop and maintain.
Dry Flotation
Pebble Beach Resorts’ The Spa at Pebble Beach offers a dry flotation bed, which suspends guests on a plastic cushion, facilitating the relaxation and warmth of a hot tub without touching the water. Add hydrating Shea butter and jojoba oil infused with lavender to indulge all the senses in the relaxing spirit.
