An estimated 50 million to 70 million adults in the United States have a sleep disorder, according to the American Sleep Association. And 25 million suffer from obstructive sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts.
Yet an estimated 80% of sleep issues are derived from lifestyles, so they can be fixed, said Anna Bjurstam, head of wellness innovation at Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, which operates 19 resorts in Asia, the Middle East and?Europe, and 32 spas.
At Six Senses, the sleep program begins with guests answering questions about their sleep habits. Next, guests receive a biomarker screening, measurements to assess overall health that could reveal dehydration, high stress or other maladies. On the first night, a device placed by the bedside measures how long it takes the guest to fall asleep, amounts of deep and light sleep, and heart rate variability.
That data informs a course of action, which is complemented by activities such as meditation and yoga. For a woman in her 50s suffering from menopause-related hot flashes, one remedy is a lower thermostat setting, Bjurstam said. Another is moisture-wicking sheets.
Alternatively, a guest may complain that he or she falls asleep right away but wakes up in the middle of the night. In that case, a white noise machine helps relaxation.
One guest suffered from dehydration and admitted she didn’t enjoy drinking water, “so we found tea that she enjoyed,” Bjurstam said.
The program also demonstrates the effects of bad habits. “Some people want a steak and glass of wine before they go to bed,” she said. “We can measure the effect and show the difference.” Red meat takes time to digest and alcohol helps you fall asleep, but the quality of sleep is not as good, she adds. Workaholics are advised that it’s not a good idea to be on their computer or device an hour before bedtime.
Some guests attribute their “best night sleep ever,” to being on vacation, Bjurstam said. “But when it’s a lesson, when they discover what they need to do, then it’s a?transformational experience.”