Sleep: The Foundation of Wellness 

If there’s one thing I’ve learned through years of travel, it’s that nothing supports my wellness more than sleep. It’s the foundation for everything—from maintaining a strong immune system to managing stress and simply being able to enjoy life to the fullest. Unfortunately, sleep is often the first thing that gets compromised when we’re away from home. Between jet lag, busy schedules, and unfamiliar environments, quality sleep can feel like a luxury. But it doesn’t have to. With the right practices, you can prioritise sleep even while travelling, and I’d love to share how.

  • The Importance Of Sleep

    We’ve all heard how important sleep is, but it’s not until you experience prolonged sleep deprivation that you truly appreciate its value. Leaders in wellness like Arianna Huffington, in her book The Sleep Revolution, have championed sleep as the ultimate performance enhancer. Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it’s about living a good life. Proper rest influences everything from cognitive function and emotional balance to physical health. As I’ve navigated my own wellness journey, I’ve come to see sleep as my most powerful tool for staying healthy, productive, and present. I’ve found that maintaining sleep hygiene while travelling can be a challenge, but it’s also where the right routines make all the difference. Sleep hygiene isn’t just about going to bed early; it’s about creating a ritual that tells your mind and body it’s time to unwind, even in a foreign environment. 

  • My Sleep Ritual on the Road

    Whenever I arrive at a new destination, my first priority is to set up my sleep environment. It’s tempting to throw your bags down and hit the ground running, but for me, sleep preparation comes first. I start by airing out the room. Fresh air makes such a difference to the overall feel of the space. Next, I adjust the temperature to make sure it’s on the cooler side—somewhere around 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit)—because a cool room encourages deeper sleep. After setting the atmosphere, I dim the lights to create a calm, inviting environment. Low lighting signals to my body that it’s time to start winding down. I also take a few moments to unplug and distance myself from devices, allowing my mind to detach from the buzz of travel and work.

  • The LA TRAVLA PillowWrap

    One item I never travel without is my LA TRAVLA PillowWrap. Sleep quality is non-negotiable for me, especially because the environments I stay in vary so much. The PillowWrap not only offers a layer of cleanliness and comfort but its silk texture helps protect my skin and hair while I sleep which means less time in front of a mirror. I also appreciate its antimicrobial properties—thanks to the silver nanoparticle technology, I can rest easy knowing I’m protected from allergens and irritants that can often lurk in hotel linens. The familiarity of the PillowWrap is also incredibly comforting when I’m away from home. There’s something grounding about knowing I’m resting on a clean, luxurious surface, no matter where I am. It's become a key part of my nightly routine, providing peace of mind that allows me to truly relax and sink into restorative sleep.

  • Restful Sleep 

    Part of my sleep ritual also includes paying attention to what I eat and drink before bed. I avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening, opting instead for herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, which help calm my system. Keeping hydrated throughout the day also contributes to a better night’s sleep, so I make sure to drink plenty of water as I settle into my new environment - the first thing I do when I land is buy glass bottled water. I've also found that a little light stretching or a short yoga flow can help release any tension from long flights or a busy day - laying on the bed or the floor with my legs up the wall is a favourite. Simple practices like these help signal to my body that it’s time to slow down and prepare for rest.

  • The Power Of Routine

    No matter where I am, consistency is key. By maintaining a familiar sleep routine, I’m able to create a sense of stability, even when I’m constantly moving between time zones or unfamiliar surroundings. I take a few moments to read before bed, often diving into books on sleep or wellness. Authors like Matthew Walker, who wrote Why We Sleep, have deeply influenced my understanding of sleep's impact on overall health. These books have reinforced the importance of treating sleep as sacred—something to be prioritised, nurtured, and protected. The average person will sleep for 229,961 hours in their lifetime or basically one third of their life, it is such an important part of our life on a whole, taking the time to get it right is so important.For me, sleep isn’t an afterthought, it’s the foundation that allows everything else to fall into place. It’s the reason I can wake up refreshed, energised, and ready to embrace the adventure that lies ahead. 

  • The Ultimate Wellness Tool

    As I’ve integrated these practices into my life, they’ve become essential for maintaining my well-being while travelling. Good sleep is the ultimate luxury—it allows us to show up as our best selves, whether we’re exploring a new city, attending a meeting, or just enjoying some downtime.

At LATRAVLA, our mission is to elevate your travel experience by focusing on wellness, and sleep is at the heart of that. Our PillowWrap is designed to help you create a sleep environment that supports deep, restful sleep, wherever you go. It’s more than just a product—it’s a tool to help you protect your most valuable asset: your well-being.