The next time you hear a hot 'n' heavy racket going on in the hotel room next door, don't be surprised if you detect an "eh" amongst the "oohs."
According to a new survey conducted by Westin Hotels and Resorts, a great night's sleep is more important than great sex -- except to Canadians.
The survey polled 12,500 frequent travellers in 10 countries. Overall, 51 per cent reported that sleep was their top priority when checking in to a hotel, but only 48 per cent of Canadians felt that way.
"Either we have different customs or we were more truthful than others in answering the question," says Jean-Luc Barone, general manager of the Westin Bayshore Vancouver.
Barone says the Westin chain, with its custom-designed "Heavenly Bed," aims to create a soothing sleep environment for guests. But that doesn't mean sex is out of the question.
"I don't think they're mutually exclusive," says Barone.
"We provide an environment where guests are safe and comfortable. Once they get into our hotels, they're free to do whatever they please."
The global dry spell is relatively new. Ten years ago, Westin conducted a similar study, at which point only 31 per cent overall chose sleep over sex.
However, today's economic climate and bothersome bedside BlackBerrys have contributed to a growing dearth of satisfactory shuteye. And the consequences of tossing and turning every night are significant -- especially for executives who are expected to perform the following day.
"Most people surveyed get into fights with their boss or co-workers because of a bad night's sleep," says a press release from Starwood Hotels, the company that owns Westin. "About one in four screw up a presentation or forget an important event, while less than one in five argue with their spouse or partner."
The desperation has led travellers to seek out more comfortable lodgings -- in fact, more than two-thirds of those surveyed would pay more to stay at a hotel with their favourite bed.
Relationship stress is another common sleep stealer (not enough hotel sex, perhaps?).
Curiously -- and somewhat inconsequentially -- the survey also states that 26 per cent of hotel guests sleep in pyjamas, while 23 per cent sleep "completely nude." As to what the other 51 per cent are wearing in the sack -- that remains a mystery. But anyone who is slipping into tight jeans, wetsuits or hockey equipment may want to rethink blaming the bed for their sleep woes.
In conjunction with the new findings, Westin has teamed up with the National Sleep Foundation to offer a toll-free sleep hotline. Restless souls can call 1-888-TIME-4-SLEEP; an expert will divulge tips on how to overcome common sleep problems. The line will be answered from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., Monday to Friday, through Sept. 15.
Please note, though, that the expert may not be able to offer any advice on how to sleep though noisy Canadian lovemaking.
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Read more: http://www.canada.com/life/Never+mind+sleep+prefer/1924234/story.html#ixzz1TQhhg3U2
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