(NAPSI)—Here’s eye-opening news: If you’re like most Americans, you need more sleep.

What The Studies Show

According to Princess Cruises’ seventh annual Relaxation Report by Wakefield Research on the importance of sleep:

• 72 percent of working Americans take an average of five days off every year—a full workweek—just to catch up on sleep.
• 50 percent of people think they would be happier if they were able to get more sleep. In fact, 58 percent frequently have to schedule time to relax by themselves and nearly half feel guilty about relaxing—especially parents.
• 68 percent of all Americans-and 83 percent of parents-use their sick days for such things as family emergencies, doctor appointments, family members’ illness and the like.
• What’s more, vacation time is when a majority of Americans expect to get a good night’s sleep, and nearly half frequently skip an event or activity on vacation because they’re too tired.
• Half of millennials feel more stressed on vacations because they can’t stop thinking about work.
• Although Americans are often more excited about sleeping in on their vacation than other activities, sleep often takes a backseat to overbooked itineraries, which affects the overall vacation experience-making people too tired to get the most out of their trip.

What To Do

Fortunately, there can be a solution.

First, according to board-certified sleep expert Dr. Michael Breus, “It’s important to remember that above all, sleep is a sensory experience. In fact, all five of your senses must be prepared for slumber in order for sleep to come easily and last all night long.” Here are a few of his insights:

Touch: “It’s important to have a sleep system that cradles you in comfort while providing good support. It’s the mattress, pillow, sheets, duvet, everything.”

Sight: “Almost no other sense can affect your sleep like sight, or light. Your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep is directly related to how much or what type of light is in your room.”

Sound: “Whether it’s a snoring bed partner or your environment, sound affects your sleep. The sound of the ocean is one of the few sounds known to help lull you into a blissful slumber.”

Smell: “Never underestimate the power of your nose. Aromatherapy has been scientifically proven to help a person relax. And with that relaxation comes a great night’s sleep.”

Taste: “What we eat affects our sleep—it is as simple as that.” The National Institutes of Health recommends plenty of protein and carbohydrates at dinner.

Dr. Breus has put a few of his ideas into practice by helping design the new ultrapremium Princess Luxury Beds found in Princess Cruises cabins. Considered the optimal mattresses for a great night’s sleep onboard, they feature a plush, two-inch-thick pillow top; a nine-inch, single-sided, medium-firm mattress for enhanced support; individually wrapped coils for less partner disturbance; a European-inspired duvet; and 100 percent luxurious, Jacquard-woven cotton linens.

After all, travelers should feel refreshed and renewed on vacation.

Learn More

For further facts and tips on how to relax more and sleep better, go to www.princess.com/sleep.