Sweeter dreams

Can a Canarian retreat get you more zzzs? Sara Keenan finds out

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As I sit across from Dr Inmaculada Rodriguez Ulecia, a specialist in clinical neurophysiology and sleep medicine, I'm sceptical.

Can changing up my food, environment and habits on a three-day holiday really improve my sleep in the longer term?

Gran Canaria may be better known for its beaches and nightlife, but I'm staying at the Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity, near Maspalomas, to "balance body and mind".

As we wind our way up the quiet roads towards this away-from-it-all escape, surrounded by green hills and golf courses, I can almost feel my cortisol levels lower.

This is the backdrop for Tempo, the Canary Islands' first sleep-focused retreat, launched by the hotel in collaboration with Hospitales Universitarios San Roque.

But I'm told it's "more than a retreat" - it's a three-day "lifestyle reset" designed to help guests reconnect with their sleep needs.

At a time when more and more of us are experiencing disrupted sleep, the programme aims to combine medical expertise, nutrition and mindful practices.

Like many people, I don't get enough sleep - usually five to six hours - which has an impact on my mood and productivity. So I'm keen to know if this can make a difference.

My whole stay here is dedicated to the programme. The structure is reassuringly holistic: a medical consultation with Dr Rodriguez Ulecia,yoga classes with instructor Matteo Sandri, good nutrition and subtle but meaningful bedroom adjustments. From the start, it is clear that this isn't a spa holiday dressed up as wellness.