You know the feeling when you lie in the bed, stare at the ceiling. Are you wondering why your brain has decided that 11pm is the best time to play your day in a loop? Or are you waking up all of a sudden and drawing on all the things that don't work out in next week's presentation? Your bedroom has blackout curtains, perfect temperature, a mattress that blows your budget. You also have a sleep app, so why are you still struggling to get a good night rest?
You are definitely not alone. Studies show that 14.5% of adults struggle to fall asleep most nights, and 17.8% wake up frequently at night. But we're all Googleing “How to Fall asleep” at 1am, and we see that the answer is not another sleep hack or expensive gadget. What if the solution is essentially as simple as escape? A growing number of research shows that nature-based holidays may be the most effective (and fun) sleep therapy.
Samantha Pillay, director of Ekko, a leading millennial lifestyle brand, shares that, like many, she has previously arrived at holiday destinations, stressed, overstimulated, and sleep-deprived. “But I hope that after just a few days I will sleep deeply, refresh myself and wake up and extend my stay,” she says. “There's something very resilient about escapeing into nature. From soft sea breezes to crisp mountain air away from forest walks and crowds, profits go far beyond fresh air and clean scenery.”
Here are five reasons why you can sleep well when you're on a vacation in nature, and why it's worth booking that escape:
1. The body clock will be reset.
Natural light exposure (especially in the morning) can help regulate circadian rhythms. This is an internal clock that tells your body that you will sleep and wake up when you will. A 2013 study on current biology found that increased exposure to sunlight for just a few days could transform this rhythm into a better synchronization with a natural day-night cycle.
2. The stress will dissolve.
Nature lowers cortisol levels and is a hormone associated with stress and lack of sleep. A meta-analysis published in the Environmental Studies confirmed that time in the natural environment reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and promotes relaxation.
3. Activities improve sleep.
Whether you're going to paddling, riding a river or dam, or simply exploring, nature holidays involve more physical activity in nature. The Sleep Foundation confirms that moderate movement during the day helps people fall asleep faster and enjoy a deeper sleep cycle.
4. Cutting – properly.
The lack of constant digital noise, artificial light and urban traffic helps calm the nervous system. A quiet environment without a screen before bed supports the production of melatonin. This is the key to falling asleep.
5. It's not just sleep – it's healthy
Spending time in green and blue spaces like forests, lakes and oceans is associated with improved mood, reduced anxiety and more keen cognitive function. Research on the environmental health perspective shows that further exposure to nature enhances resilience, increases overall well-being, and helps you return from your mentally refreshed feelings from your holidays.
Whether you want to escape the mountains of Drakensburg, a beach retreat in Thailand or take a walk through the black forests of Germany, this is when you really pay off when you own the Ekko portfolio. Enjoy discounted luxury trips with access to local and international hotels and resorts, cruises, flight deals, car rentals and even tours. Use stocks to book your vacation at over 50 best South African resorts, or choose up to 50% off from over 10,000 additional SA hotels and resorts, plus over 500,000 luxury options worldwide. Ekko offers access to countless local and international destinations that are perfect for connecting with nature.
“The fact is that we often don't understand how much our bodies need a reset. So if you're always asleep, don't reach for sleeping pills, reach for our suitcases, head towards the horizon,” concludes Pillay. “A break in nature may be exactly what your body has been looking for.”
For industry-related news, click here.
