Dream stays

Sleep retreats are gaining popularity, says Alicia Miller. So if your night-times aren't what they used to be, here's her pick of the best restorative breaks

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Whether it's midlife changes disrupting your circadian rhythm or work and family stresses weighing on your mind, there's a fair chance you're not sleeping as well as you could be. The Sleep Charity reports that we're in the midst of an insomnia epidemic, with as many as 40% of us having sleep problems.

Enter, the sleep retreat. The idea is that by escaping daily routines, immersing yourself in a relaxing atmosphere and meeting experts in mind and body, you break free of the insomnia cycle and set the foundations for positive new habits.

'When we travel, we give ourselves the chance to be more intentional about rest,' says Ann-Kathrin Brüggemeier, head of wellness at Peak Health Spa at The Capra in Saas-Fee, Switzerland. 'This, supported by mindful movement, nourishing food and restorative treatments, helps the nervous system rebalance.'

These tailored retreats go beyond blackout blinds and pillow menus, with agendas that blend light exercise in fresh air, healthy food, spa treatments and sessions with medical experts to help you identify the root of your issues. You'll learn about your body and mind as you retrain yourself into a natural, beneficial sleep pattern. And when you aren't sleeping, you can explore a new destination. Most sleep retreats are in beautiful locations that are bucket-list-worthy on their own.

'Many of our programmes incorporate indigenous practices that have supported rest and balance for centuries,' says Stella Photi, founder of Wellbeing Escapes, who offers sleep retreats around the world. 'That might mean meditation stemming from Buddhist philosophy in Thailand and Ayurvedic rituals in India, or nature-based therapies in Italy based around slowing down and reconnecting with the land.'

SLEEP RETREATS TO TRY

1 Sleep Enhancement programme at Kamalaya, Thailand