Spas Targeting Sleep-deprived Clients

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The 2002 National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America poll found that 74% of American adults experience a sleeping problem a few nights a week or more and 39% get less than seven hours of sleep each weeknight.

“Time and time again we hear that sleep is crucial to our overall well being and there is a reason for that. The number of health concerns associated with lack of sleep is astonishing, sleep is critical,” said Brent Bauer, director of Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at the Mayo Clinic and the International SPA Association’s (ISPA) Medical Advisor.

Other studies show that lack of sleep may lead to problems completing a task, concentrating and making decisions, and might impact aging and diabetes. Luckily, spas are looking at creative ways they can educate clients on the importance of quality sleep time.

“The number one reason worldwide why men and women visit a spa is to learn how to manage their stress,” said ISPA President Lynne McNees. “By getting your stress under control, you in turn have a more restful sleep.”

The Mayo Clinic recommends adults get between seven and eight hours of sleep every night. Yelo Spa in New York, New York has built a business out of providing quality nap time to overrun New Yorkers, as well as massage and skincare treatments. Guests can reserve a private chamber for 20–40 minutes, specifically designed to facilitate sleep.

Many spas also offer workshops targeting sleep care. In addition to its “Tranquil Nights” sleep-inducing body scrub and massage service, Miraval Resort & Spa in Tucson, Arizona hosts the “Are You Sleeping?” workshop, in which guests learn what’s happening to their body while they sleep so they can create a plan to work with, not against, the body’s natural abilities to sleep well.

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek—Allegria Spa in Beaver Creek, Colorado also offers a sleep treatment. The “Slumber Massage,” which begins with a Swedish massage incorporating aromatherapy oils and hot stones transitions the guest into a deep state of relaxation aided by custom music and sounds. The treatment ends with a 20 minute nap accompanied by a scalp or foot massage.

Here are a few tips spa professionals recommend.

  • Schedule your bedtime and your wake-up time according to the number of hours of sleep you need.
  • Spend time “winding down” approximately two hours before your bedtime. Stop phone calls and watching television, and read or listen to music instead.
  • Condition yourself for sleep: Create a routine around the act of getting ready for bed and make your bedroom as visually pleasing and comfortable as possible.

 

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