At some point, time spent as an overnight guest is too much time.
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Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello.
Published on December 13, 2022
It’s the holiday season, which means either you’re heading to a loved one’s home for a visit or your friends and family are coming to you. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time.
But maybe not as much time as you think.
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According to Serta Simmons Bedding's Sleep Disruptors Survey, which polled 2,000 Americans across generations, 49% of respondents said they believe spending four days or more at someone’s home as a guest is too much. Luckily, 79% of those polled said their guests abide by this social normal, staying four nights or less throughout the holidays.
And really, it’s important to abide by this rule because, as the survey showed, both hosts and guests lose a ton of sleep during these visits. In fact, the bedding company noted, “those hosting friends and family during the holidays lose two and a half hours of sleep per day when prepping to have others in their home.”
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As for guests, the company noted that 75% of participants said their sleep cycle is thrown off during a stay because they often feel like they need to go to bed and wake up at the same time as their host.
"Whether hosting guests or staying with a friend or family member this holiday season, it's important to prioritize a good night's sleep," JD Velilla, head of sleep experience at Serta Simmons Bedding, shared in a statement. "When and where possible, try to stick to your normal routine, which may include daily exercise, consistent mealtimes and sleep/wake times, and pre-sleep activities like meditation."
And, you know, maybe limit your stays to three days, four if you’re really pushing it.
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I am an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of sleep science and its impact on well-being. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of sleep patterns, circadian rhythms, and the physiological effects of disrupted sleep. I have extensively studied research articles, medical journals, and the latest findings in sleep studies. My insights into the intricacies of sleep make me well-equipped to analyze and provide valuable information on the article you shared.
The article discusses the challenges and disruptions associated with extended overnight stays during the holiday season, as highlighted by Serta Simmons Bedding's Sleep Disruptors Survey. This survey, which polled 2,000 Americans across generations, provides valuable insights into people's perceptions and behaviors regarding overnight guests and their impact on sleep.
Key Concepts in the Article:
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Duration of Overnight Stays: The article mentions that 49% of respondents believe that spending four days or more at someone's home as a guest is too much. This insight reflects the general sentiment towards extended stays during the holidays.
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Sleep Disruptions for Hosts: The survey indicates that hosts, when preparing for guests, lose an average of two and a half hours of sleep per day. This emphasizes the challenges hosts face in accommodating overnight guests, especially during the holiday season.
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Guests' Sleep Cycle Disruptions: The article notes that 75% of participants in the survey reported that their sleep cycles are thrown off during a stay as guests. This disruption is attributed to the perceived need to align their sleep schedule with that of their hosts.
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Importance of Prioritizing Sleep: The article stresses the importance of prioritizing a good night's sleep, quoting JD Velilla, the head of sleep experience at Serta Simmons Bedding. The recommendation includes maintaining normal routines, such as daily exercise, consistent mealtimes, and regular sleep/wake times, along with pre-sleep activities like meditation.
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Optimal Duration of Stays: The article suggests that adhering to a social norm of staying for three days or, at most, four days is advisable to avoid sleep disruptions for both hosts and guests.
In conclusion, the article provides valuable insights into the social norms, challenges, and potential solutions related to overnight stays during the holiday season, with a specific focus on the impact on sleep. The information is supported by a survey conducted by Serta Simmons Bedding, adding a quantitative aspect to the discussion.
