Travel tips

Richard Branson could have the key to a restful sleep

Dec 09, 2017

Even someone as busy as Richard Branson knows the importance of having a good night’s sleep and he might just have the answer to sleeping soundly while on holiday, too.

In a recent blog post he published on the Virgin website, Branson described two routines that help him stay focused and well rested, both while at home and abroad.

“Whether I’m traveling the world visiting our Virgin businesses, in the UK catching up with my family, or in the BVI with my wife Joan and guests, I always like to wrap up the evening with a sit-down dinner,” Branson said.

“The dinner table is a wonderful setting for conversation and laughter. I can’t tell you how many ideas have been dreamed up around the dinner table on Necker Island; some which are now driving the Virgin brand forward.”

The same goes while he’s travelling, too, adding that he likes to take locals to dinner to learn more about the culture of the country he is in.

But Branson ensures he leaves plenty of time to rest and unwind.

“If I have some time to spare, I’ll read for a bit or perhaps watch a documentary, to help me relax and put me in a great frame of mind to get a good night’s sleep,” Branson said.

“Then it’s in bed and lights out hopefully by 11pm. I typically need five to six hours sleep to get the most out of my days.”

If you do have trouble sleeping when you’re away from home or in a foreign setting, here are a few tips on how to get a good night’s sleep while travelling:

Unwind with a good book, especially if this helps you catch some Zs
Change the time on your watch before you leave, so you can adjust to the local time as quickly as possible
Pack a scent that you find relaxing and use it when it’s time to nod off
Stay hydrated and eat well, so you’re not kept awake with stomach troubles