In aid of World Sleep Day and National Bed Month, Vision’s very own sleep expert, Richard Jolie, will be presenting a workshop to staff from across the hospitality sector, from all over the UK, on the science of sleep as part of the UKHA’s Shared Knowledge Day.
Richard will be running the workshop twice throughout the day at the event, which also includes two fashion shows, 45 trade stands, five workshops and two main speakers aimed at showcasing a range of services from across the hospitality industry.
The ‘Science of Sleep’ workshop seeks to address and answer the questions surrounding what is sleep, why do people need sleep, the effects of sleep deprivation and what hoteliers can do to ensure their guest’s get a good night’s sleep whilst also providing visitors with a range of practical hints and tips.
Richard said: “Many of us have experience being tired and irritable the day after a particularly rough night’s sleep but few of us understand the real impact that sleep has on our health. Sleep is so conducive to our health and everyday wellbeing that going without can lead to a number of really serious health risks.
Having worked closely with a wide range of hospitality establishments for the last 12 years, the workshop aims to provide some valuable advice that hoteliers and housekeepers can take away and implement in their own establishments. Through good customer service and tailoring the hotel stay to the individual, hoteliers not only get the chance to impress but they are also able to leave a lasting impression.”
With this in mind, leading textile supplier and distributor, Vision, have compiled a series of tips aimed at ensuring a better night’s sleep.
Check Your Mattress
Lisa Artis, from the Sleep Council, says: “Ensure you have a bed checking policy in place and build in a five yearly mattress renewal cycle. King size beds are ALWAYS better for double rooms. It might even be worth having some rooms with extra-large beds for especially tall guests!”
Renew Your Bedding
Polyester is generally a fabric to avoid for bedding as it’s inherently non-absorbent with cotton being regarded as a popular choice; both for its moisture absorbency and its cost. Cotton holds its own weight in moisture which ensures a guest is left cool rather than clammy and higher thread counts will ensure even more moisture absorbing properties.
Pure linen sheets are undoubtedly and unashamedly the most luxurious type of fabric for beds – some as much as 40 times more absorbent than cotton. Produced from the flax plant, though linen does provide an undeniably comfortable night’s sleep it’s not one many hotels would consider due to its low durability, high cost and tendency to wrinkle very easily – making it visually unappealing for hotel beds!
Finish With Flourishes
Finishing touches make all the difference in a guest bedroom. Stimulants like coffee and caffeinated teas are the main culprits for keeping guests awake however there are plenty of caffeine-free options to ensure visitors enjoy a relaxing and restful night in their room.
Chamomile tea is highly regarded as to go-to drink for sleepless nights and while there’s no scientific evidence that proves it acts as a sedative, it is known for its antioxidant properties. Valerian root has been proven to be successful in treating certain sleep disorders whilst peppermint tea has numerous health benefits including relaxing the muscles which can lead to a more restful night.
Scents are a great way to promote sleep within a guest bedroom so it’s worth considering investing in some lavender oil to leave on guest pillows, or putting a few drops under the duvet as part of the turndown service. Other scents to include in the room include ylang ylang, orange and ginger which all help to relieve stress, ease stress and calm anxiety.
Provide Relaxing Reading Material
In a connected world, it’s harder than ever to switch off from electronic devices – whether that be a laptop, phone or tablet. Providing guests with some relaxing bedtime reading material in the form of newspapers, magazines or books helps the brain to switch off and settle down.
It’s important to provide your guests with a range of reading material – as something that one may like, another will not. Books that don’t elicit strong emotional reactions, such as those containing violence or tragedy, are the ideal books to keep on the shelf and will help to relax the guest as well as magazines covering a wide range of topics and those which are not hobby-specific ensuring there will be something that many can enjoy.
Keep it Cool
Cooler environments are conducive to a good rest as warmer temperatures encourage guests to toss and turn throughout the night. Do you have air conditioning in the room? If not, consider introducing a fan for when the weather gets warmer. Similarly, check for any draughts that could be keeping guests awake at night.
For rooms close to roads or city centre’s – offering ear plugs and a sleep mask will also help to personalise a guest experience and ensure it’s comfortable for them – regardless of the location.