Scientists Explain Why You Sleep Poorly on Your First Night in a New Place

Many people struggle to fall asleep during their first night in a hotel, a new apartment, or any unfamiliar space. This common occurrence has a scientific name: the "first-night effect."

This phenomenon is not just an inconvenience for travelers but also a significant concern for scientists and doctors studying sleep. If a doctor suspects a sleep disorder, a patient might undergo a sleep study in a lab. However, the results can be skewed because the patient is sleeping in an unfamiliar setting. The first-night effect was first identified in 1964 and has been a key area of sleep research due to its potential to influence study outcomes.

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Your brain is still getting information that this place is not completely safe.

A 2016 study from Brown University offered fascinating insights. Brain scans of 35 healthy volunteers revealed that during the first night in a new place, the two hemispheres of the brain did not sleep equally deeply. The left side of the brain remained significantly more "awake" than the right. Researchers described this as a form of "night watch," a mechanism that keeps the brain more vigilant in unknown surroundings. This phenomenon is also observed in some birds and marine mammals, like dolphins, which can rest one brain hemisphere while the other remains active.

While this "night watch" serves as a protective measure, it can be disruptive when one needs to be well-rested for the first day of a vacation or an important business event. To combat the first-night effect, sticking to usual sleep hygiene practices can help. Reducing screen time before bed, allowing ample time for relaxation, and incorporating activities like meditation or a warm bath can promote better sleep.

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a night watch