Travelers face 'first-night effect' disrupting sleep, Jamaica Gleaner reports

The 'first-night effect' is a common phenomenon that disrupts sleep for travelers, and Robinson Leoni is no exception. For Leoni, a sales director who travels for work, the first night in a new place consistently leads to a noticeable decline in sleep quality.

Leoni reports taking longer to fall asleep, waking up more often during the night, and ultimately getting significantly less sleep compared to his usual routine at home. While he averages seven hours of sleep at home, his smartwatch indicates he gets only about five hours on the first night of a trip.

This sleep disturbance occurs irrespective of external factors like earplugs or the perceived quality of the accommodation. Leoni notes that he doesn't feel stressed, yet the objective data from his smartwatch confirms the disruption. The Jamaica Gleaner article details how this common travel-related sleep issue affects individuals, impacting their rest even when they feel otherwise fine.

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I feel normal, you know, no stress, nothing, but it’s just I notice I wake up continuously.