Dr. Dunkel's Sleep Tips for Road Warriors

Psychiatrist Samuel Dunk ell, MD, President of Insomnia Medical Services , and sleep consultant for the Doral Arrowwood Conference Center and Resort, reveals that sleep positions manifest certain truths about our personalities and our behaviors and often help uncover problems that inhibit sleep.

The author of two best-selling books —Goodbye Insomnia,Hello Sleep and Sleep Positions – Dr. has been analyzing the body language of sleep for more than 25 years.

He found that each person has a preferred position. Finding this favorite position helps to ensure a good nights’ sleep. This, he points out is particularly important for people who travel on business.

According to Dr. Dunkell, “Thousands of people travel for business every week, and over 50% claim they do not get a good night's rest. Business travelers are under more pressure to perform in the morning and must have a good nights sleep, or power sleep, to wake feeling refreshed, energized and ready to conduct business.”

He has identified and characterized four basic sleeping positions:

1. Lying on the back, which is called The “Royal” position. People who sleep this way are confident and comfortable with themselves
2. Lying on the stomach, the “Prone” position. People who don’t like surprises and are controlling sleep this way.
3. Curled on the side with legs slightly bent. People who are emotionally and socially secure, well-balanced, flexible and generally able to cope.
4. Curled on the side with knees and legs all the way up are often cautious, sensitive and reluctant to try new experiences.

10 Sleeping Tips for Road Warriors

As a leading authority on sleeplessness, Dr. Dunkell is familiar with latest developments in stress reduction techniques, relaxation exercises, sleep hygiene guidelines and sleeping medications. He acknowledges that a few hours of lost sleep combined with business travel significantly reduces performance and has compiled a set of tips specifically aimed at corporate “road warriors” who routinely confront late or missed flights, skipped or meals, unexpected complications and delays – all compounded by the stress of conducting non-stop business.

• Don’t drink too much water before bed.

• Don’t drink caffeinated drinks after 2 pm (even those that say caffeine-free have small traces of caffeine that can impair sleep.)

• Save hotel chocolates as a pick-me-up for morning meetings

• Don’t eat oranges or other sugar-filled foods before bed time

• Visualize a relaxing scene.

• Take a warm bath or shower a half hour before retiring. Add soothing lavender bath salts to reduce stress and relax aching muscles.

• Bring something personal from home as a touchstone.

• Distract yourself by naming or counting things if thoughts are too intrusive

• Watch the Food Network.

• Listen to music or a relaxation tape.

“Retaining a sleep expert of the caliber of Dr. Samuel Dunkell is an example of our commitment to the comfort, health and lifestyle of our corporate and resort guests,” says Steve Mabus, General Manager. “At Doral Arrowwood we take sleeping seriously. We have made significant investments in room design and decor, bedding and sleep consulting to ensure that when you visit us, you will get a restful night’s sleep.”

According to Dr. Dunkell, “New sheets are most conducive to a good night’s sleep because they are smooth. And duvet covers like the ones at Doral Arrowwood are fluffy and cozy and make people feel safe and secure. These subtle touches go a long way to promote a better sleep experience.

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