GOLDEN SLUMBERS Spas ’ Role in the Quest for Better Sleep CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18
The rise in wearables and other sleep trackers , says Zatarain , means that “ we have gained awareness of how much we sleep , how we sleep , the phases of sleep and the importance of it , and it ’ s reached a point where there is a group of consumers that are very educated about it .” In Zatarain ’ s view , this heightened awareness creates an opportunity for resorts and hotels with spas to promote better sleep for their guests through their experience at the spa and in their rooms .
Francisco Levine , chief business officer for smart mattress maker Bryte , emphasizes that point as well , adding that technology has only recently reached a point where we can capture sleep data detailed enough to respond in a tailored way , whether on the treatment table or through a bed that can respond to guests ’ individualized needs on its own . “ Sleep is influenced by so many different factors . Some of them are psychological ; others are physiological , environmental , behavioral — and many of these factors are relative to the individual . Everyone has different needs when it comes to sleep .” Levine adds that Bryte beds are designed to respond to those personalized needs through customizable firmness and temperature , in addition to dynamically responding to changes in a sleeper ’ s movement and temperatures , which illustrates just how advanced sleep technology has become in a relatively short time .
Now , we are at a moment when it ’ s more feasible than ever for resort / hotel spas to create what Amy McDonald calls a “ three-dimensional business opportunity ” by extending sleep-oriented spa experiences into other aspects of a guest ’ s stay . As Francisco Levine notes , these opportunities are only now being realized as properties better understand how their component parts can add up to vastly improved sleep for guests .“ We ’ re seeing a big shift from hotels into making their whole experience more wellness oriented . We have seen some spas taking initiative and extending the spa experience into the guest room . It could be scent diffusers , it could be tea or drinks , it could be [ the use of ] a certain fabric or pillow ,” Levine says .
“ What we love about the term ‘ sleep fitness ’ is that it implies that , just like your physical fitness or mental fitness , it ’ s a journey .”
— ALEXANDRA ZATARAIN
20 PULSE n JANUARY 2022