Six tricks to get better sleep on your travels

Jet lag, over-stimulation, noise, an unfamiliar bed... just some of the reasons for travel-induced insomnia. And who wants a sleepless start to their holiday? Pack these accessories, says travel writer Harriet Cooper, to guarantee you’ll wake up feeling fresh as a daisy no matter where you are

Easy on the eyes

Catching 40 winks just became fun with The Art of Sleeping eye masks (£15.99 each). Based on the idea that museum paintings stay awake after the gallery lights are switched off, these printed satin masks were originally inspired by portraits by Van Gogh, Picasso, Rembrandt and da Vinci. Kids will be delighted to know the series now includes superheroes and film characters. Perfect if you’re looking to channel Darth Vader or Batman while you zzzz...

Pillow talk

Anything called Deep Sleep Pillow Spray (£18) gets our vote. A soothing combination of lavender, vetivert and camomile, a little spritz of This Works’ award-winning formula promises it will help to reduce sleep anxiety and improve sleep quality. It’s also perfect for popping in hand luggage. The company recently launched a Sleep Power Nap Spray (£28) that will enable you to nod off quickly, even with life going full tilt around you.

A soft touch

Feeling the chill? Pack a cashmere wrap so you can snuggle up for a snooze, wherever you are. We’re loving The Travelwrap Company, whose wraps (prices from £159) will cocoon you in a nest of soft, sustainably sourced cashmere. It even does travel wraps for men and a covetable children’s range. Go the extra mile by personalising yours with a monogram.

Comfort zone

If you’re not comfy you’re never going to the land of Nod, right? A good quality, specially designed pillow is a must for those on the go, and Tempur has nailed it. After all, any company that uses material developed by Nasa to support astronauts during lift-off must be doing something right. The Transit Pillow (£59) is ideal for the plane, while the Original Travel Pillow (£59) contours to your body’s shape, meaning you can doze off anywhere, at any time.

Listen up

Background noise is seldom conducive to crashing out. Step forward the humble ear plug. Some opt for wax, others prefer foam, but we like Deep Sleeps Earplugs for Sleeping, made of pliable soft silicone to provide a custom-moulded sound barrier. The set, which costs £8.99, includes four pairs of (reusable) ear plugs, as well as a container for safe and convenient storage. ’Ear ’ear.

Happy feet

If you haven’t come across Mahabis, you need to. Your toes will thank you. This luxury unisex brand is on a mission to create simple products that help you relax, starting with the reincarnation of the slipper. A combination of cutting-edge design and unbeatable comfort has resulted in a slipper like no other. We’re taken by the Classic 2 (£69), which has a 100 per cent merino wool interior and a durable sole for all-day, everyday wear.