Researchers reveal how long it takes for your sleeping pattern to return to normal after a holiday

It takes at least three days to ‘get back to normal’ after a holiday, a study has found.

Research revealed those who take a week off to jet to sunnier climes and relax by the pool take around 72 hours to get back into the swings of things once again.

And that time increases to four days for a two-week break.

The study also found it takes two nights for our sleeping pattern to get back to normal while battling jet lag and getting over late nights and long lie-ins on holiday.

The research was commissioned by vitamin and supplement company Healthspan, on whose behalf psychologist Dr Meg Arroll, said: “Taking time to unwind and relax is vital for overall physical and mental health, but many people may struggle pre and post-holiday.

“This survey has shown over half of Brits found it difficult to get back to their routines after a break away.

”So, although holidays can be great at making us forget about the toils of day-to-day life, many of us find it hard to readjust when they’re over.

“Coupled with the stress that comes with preparing for a holiday, whether that’s making sure we get all of the packing done, or handing over workloads to colleagues to handle in your absence, it can sometimes feel like it’s not even worth having a holiday.

“The survey also found the majority of people spend two days of their holiday feeling anxious about work.

”If you think that many people only have a week holiday, two days consumed with work anxiety is a big chunk out of their break.“

Travel worry is a big anxiety for many people with nearly half of people worrying about their arrangements before they go.

Dr Meg Arroll added: “People with chronic conditions such as IBS may find the thought of travelling overwhelming, which is why it’s important to tackle anxious thought patterns well before the travel date.”

Dr Sarah Brewer, Healthspan’s medical director, said: “I recommend taking CBD Oil at night as it helps to reduce anxiety, aids relaxation and promotes a deep, more refreshing sleep. Other options include Valerian SleepAid Tablets or Night Time 5-HTP.

”As always, if you are taking any medications, check for interactions before taking any supplements.”

The study of 2,000 adults who holiday abroad found six in 10 believe getting used to the morning routine is the hardest part of re-joining everyday life after a trip away.

And a third believe it’s too difficult to get used to the UK’s changeable weather after enjoying sunnier climates abroad.

Four in 10 also admitted feeling anxious about going back to work after a holiday, with a quarter taking extra days of annual leave to ease themselves back into life.

More than half of holidaymakers also say they ‘completely dread’ coming back from holiday, as it means they’ll have to catch up on household chores and laundry.

In fact, millions of anxiety-riddled Brits even confess to feeling the strain BEFORE they’ve gone away.

Another 60 per cent believe it’s because they’ve got so much to do to get everything ready before the trip.

And a further 34 per cent stress about having enough money to pay for everything they’ll need on holiday.

One in three respondents, polled via OnePoll, even said they sometimes feel it’s not worth going on holiday because it’s so stressful before they head off, or after they get back and try to settle into their day-to-day lives once again.

It also emerged while one third reckon they sleep better on holiday, one in five believe their sleep is worse when they are away from home.

While 43 per cent have a bedtime routine at home, for many this goes out of the window on holiday with just 13 per cent sticking to a night-time schedule on a break.

Another 22 per cent also have an afternoon nap while on holiday – something most struggle to fit in when they are at work.

It also emerged while on holiday, 13 per cent of Brits wear an eye mask to help them sleep, and a quarter will ensure their room has air conditioning to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Nearly one in ten even bring their own pillow to make sleeping just as comfy as it is at home.

Rob Hobson, Healthspan head of nutrition and author of a new book, ‘The Art of Sleeping’ published by HQ, due out on November 14th said: “Sleep is all about routine and creating your own ritual is essential for a good night’s rest and applying this when travelling is a good way to keep your sleep on track.

“Our results found issues with sleep were one of the biggest drivers of struggling to re-adjust to everyday life.

“A supplement containing Valerian Hops or Magnesium could be really beneficial for those struggling to sleep after a holiday.”

Credit: Healthspan