AARP Hearing Center
People take vacations for sports, food and culture, why not for sleep?
A 2023 Gallup poll showed that Americans are super stressed and getting less sleep, while the Sleep Health Foundation noted in 2024 that there could be less sleep because of burnout. If a good night’s rest is what you’re looking for, sleep tourism highlights the importance of getting your slumber and recharging. With more people focusing on wellness and health, it’s no wonder this market is estimated to increase by more than $400 billion from 2023 to 2028, according to HTF Market Intelligence, a market research company.
Lydia Falle, a psychotherapist from The Sleep Clinic in the United Kingdom, says when you hit 50, people have more space to prioritize sleep. “I think we’ve become very health-conscious, and I think we are recognizing just how important sleep is for our health and our well-being,” says Falle. “And we used to have a culture of it was almost like a badge of honor to say that you weren’t sleeping well. But now people are really prioritizing their sleep.”
Hotels already boast about having comfortable beds and rooms, blackout curtains and sleep masks that allow for R&R, but these days hotels are going the extra mile to ensure guests have the best night’s rest. At Lanserhof Sylt, a wellness resort, doctors conduct sleep analyses to reveal any possible causes of sleep problems to treat sleep disorders. Equinox Hotel New York stocks rooms with herbal teas to encourage sleep and provides guests with the breathwork techniques to balance circadian rhythms.“As awareness around the importance of sleep continues to rise, likely fueled by advancements in sleep science and the discourse on burnout, more travelers are seeking experiences that go beyond traditional luxury and address these needs,” says Christopher Norton, CEO of Equinox Hotels, which offers The Art + Science of Sleep, its science-backed approach to sleep.
As people age, sleep disorders, like insomnia can become more prevalent. The National Institute on Aging within the National Institutes of Health notes illness, medications, pain and mental health can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep. According to a 2024 AARP survey, 70 percent of adults 40 and older report having sleep difficulties. Within this group, 52 percent have trouble falling asleep and 59 percent have problems staying asleep.When older adults get less sleep, they have trouble focusing, which could lead them to be clumsy and have accidents. Older adults who participate in sleep tourism can enjoy peaceful activities such as walks or yoga and eat healthy food that can provide a good night’s sleep.
Here are five hotels and resorts where being well-rested is a priority.