Here’s a theory you probably hadn’t considered before: in order to sleep as peacefully as a baby, you just need to pretend you’re back in the womb.
That’s the premise behind new boutique hotel rooms in London designed with cocoon-like beds, muted lighting and soft pink walls to mimic being back in the womb and in turn, help guests get a better night’s sleep.
The Zed Rooms, opening in Shoreditch, London, are serviced apartments designed with the help of sleep experts to encourage REM-rich slumber.
Hotel design contributor and resident sleep psychologist at Simba, Hope Bastine said: “If you’ve ever noticed that you don’t sleep as well in a hotel, you’re not alone”.
“Scientists recognised the ‘first night effect’ over a decade ago, where one half of the brain unconsciously acts as a ‘night watchman’ staying more alert when in unfamiliar surroundings.”
Hotel design contributor and resident sleep psychologist at Simba, Hope Bastine
The unique design aims to help mute the brain’s ‘red alert’ status it develops when sleeping in a new place.
The bed itself has a Simba Hybrid mattresses and temperature regulating pillows.
There’s also a bespoke sleep menu with dishes that are rich in serotonin, melatonin and tryptophan, created in partnership with Detox Kitchen.
In fact, the whole apartment has been designed to help you nod off from the furniture’s rounded edges and softened corners to the rocking chair.
Each apartment comes with yoga mats and meditation sessions via the iPad’s Calm app as well. Sweet dreams.
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