“ If you notice a problem , you have the power to create a wonderful solution . You are empowered to make a difference in your guests ’ lives . And sleep is definitely a recurring issue ….”
The Sleep Foundation reports adults need seven or more hours of sleep per night , but more than one-third of U . S . adults sleep less than that . The Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine has put that number even higher since the start of the pandemic , with more than 40 percent of adults reporting a reduction in sleep quality .
One of Sleep Foundation ’ s surveys found that 48 out of 100 U . S . workers say they are tired throughout the day and 51.2 percent of people say the lack of sleep causes problems in their families . More seriously , insufficient sleep is the cause of 6,000 driving fatalities per year and has an economic impact of more than $ 411 billion per year .
In response to this need , sleep tourism has skyrocketed since the pandemic . According to forecasts Statista developed , the overall global sleep industry will be worth $ 585 billion by 2024 .
And while many think of hotels first when it comes to sleeping , spas are equipped in unique ways to support sleep hygiene .
It ’ s why sleep tourism packages are sprouting at both resort and day spas and , in a few places , entire properties have opened with a sleep-centric mission . For example , when Coimbra , Portugal ’ s Hastens Sleep Spa Hotel opened in 2021 , the 15-room boutique hotel launched as the world ’ s first “ sleep spa .” Resort spas have partnered with hotels to create comprehensive sleep packages . In some cases , spa management originated the idea , and at others — especially in properties that are part of larger corporations — the sleep program is part of a brand-wide effort .
Developing a multi-hour service
At the Underground Spa , the guest who asked to oversleep his massage inspired the development of a customized experience lasting six to eight hours called the Dream Like Relaxation Treatment .
The treatment room is equipped with specialized lighting that mimics the night sky . The service begins with breathwork , and then a series of therapists provides sleep-focused services including different massage techniques , reflexology , aromatherapy and guided meditation . The treatment is hands-on for the entire time , with therapists switching out every 90 minutes to two hours .
Lanez Perry-Boone , spa director at the Logan Hotel , said 70 percent of clients are not hotel guests , but those who are can stay in their robes and go directly to their room from the service .
“ The goal for this service is for you to actually sleep with us inside the spa and to take over a whole room ,” Perry- Boone said .
While they originally intended the service to be eight hours , they quickly learned they had to have the flexibility to customize it because not everyone ’ s schedule allows them to spend six to eight hours in a spa room . The service must be booked two weeks in advance and costs $ 2,500 . They ’ ll work with the guest to determine the length of the ritual , with the minimum usually being four hours . They discuss which specific services are desired , from reflexology to Lomi-Lomi to hot stones to deep tissue , and then schedule a therapist who specializes in that modality .
“ We want to make sure that it is really what you ’ re looking for ,” Perry- Boone said .“ Would you like a longer scalp massage ? Would you like your breaks scheduled ? Do you want to have an hour before and have lunch and then come back and get the rest of the six-hour treatment ? We want to make sure it is something that you can sleep with , but also make it your own .”
She consulted with her team while developing the service and researching what should go into it . She wanted to make sure it was something they would be interested in doing and to learn how many hours they were willing to do inside a room . She recommends that anyone developing sleep services bring their team in on the creation and be willing to tailor it to individual guests . However , she also stresses that people in charge of spas have a responsibility to their guests to develop treatments that meet their ongoing needs .
“ Spa directors see some of the things guests are experiencing ,” Perry-Boone said .“ And if you notice a problem , you have the power to create a wonderful solution . You are empowered to make a difference in your guests ’ lives . And sleep is definitely a recurring issue in America and across the world . This is something we could all make a difference in helping the world to get a couple more ‘ Z ’ s ’ in their lives .”
“ If you notice a problem , you have the power to create a wonderful solution . You are empowered to make a difference in your guests ’ lives . And sleep is definitely a recurring issue ….”
— LANEZ PERRY-BOONE , UNDERGROUND SPA & WELLNESS AT THE LOGAN HOTEL PHILADELPHIA
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 n PULSE 31