Desperate for a snoozefest? Try these tips to plan the sleepcation of your dreams in Toronto.

Approximately 18 per cent of Canadian adults aren’t getting enough sleep, which can negatively impact health, and job performance and even raise the risk of accidents.
Enter the sleepcation: “Sleep tourism is growing as people look for ways to escape stress and rest away from home,” says Sanjeev Jadhav, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Westin Hotel, Toronto Airport.
As health-conscious travellers chase more (and better quality) zzz’s, hotels are stepping up with pillow menus, premium bedding and mattresses and other sleep-promoting amenities. You may also improve your sleep with a few lifestyle tweaks.
Want a weekend getaway that’s all about recharging? Follow these tips for a restful retreat in Toronto.
Sleep tip #1: Burrow into top-quality bedding
Much of the appeal of sleep tourism is that luxury hotels invest in top-notch mattresses and sheets.
The Four Seasons Hotel Toronto and The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto are famous for their sleep systems. You can test-drive them on your sleepcation, then order them for your home if they pass the snooze test.
Or find your dream pillow at Hotel X. Their pillow menu offers soft and medium feather pillows, plus a variety of pillow shapes, including bolsters for the neck or under the knees, body pillows for side sleepers and U-shaped maternity pillows to support pregnant guests.
Multiple mattress options, including a feather bed topper, are also available if you’d like to try out some options before upgrading your home amenities.
Sleep tip #2: Block out light and sound
Darkness causes your brain to release melatonin for a calming, sleepy effect, so consider packing an eye mask and earplugs when you travel.
Although, you can leave them in your bag if you stay at The Hazelton Hotel (its rooms are soundproofed with blackout drapes) or the SoHo Hotel Toronto (which offers earplugs)
Sleep tip #3: Be strategic with caffeine and alcohol
If caffeine is your fave vice, don’t panic. Just enjoy your latte, Americano or afternoon tea before mid-day, and it won’t keep you up.
Drinking alcohol close to bedtime can also decrease sleep quality, so swap your glass of Malbec for a calming mug of caffeine-free Rooibos, chamomile or ginseng tea. You’ll find a better-than-average selection of zero-caf tea options on the room service menu at the Fairmont Royal York.
Sleep tip #4: Eat a light dinner
A large meal, cheeses or high-protein foods can disrupt digestion and stimulate the brain. Opt for lighter bites instead, especially for the final meal of the day.
Planta serves up great salad options like Kelp Caesar or Pad Thai Slaw. Kinka Izakaya’s Salmon Carpaccio and Agedashi Tofu are designed for sharing.
For dinner with a view, head to the Park Hyatt Toronto’s rooftop restaurant, Joni, for vegetarian dishes like cauliflower soup with apples.
Sleep tip #5: Crack a book
Just six minutes of reading reduces stress by 60%, according to the World Literacy Foundation. Skip the blue light glare of an e-reader or phone with an old-fashioned book. Scope out the latest page-turners at Toronto’s best independent booksellers.
Sleep tip #6: Squeeze in a morning workout
As little as half an hour of moderate aerobic exercise can release endorphins that promote better sleep. But if exercise makes you feel more alert, opt for a morning sweat sesh instead.
Sunday mornings start off peacefully at the Shangri-La Toronto or 1 Hotel Toronto, with their respective Vinyasa Flow and Flow & Glow classes.
Meanwhile, the Sunrise Yoga class at Hotel X’s hot yoga studio takes place in a 27-degree Celsius room, which is ideal for a gentle, warm practice.
Sleep tip #7: Meditate
Worries will keep you up at night, but meditation can ease anxiety.
Meditation classes at Jaybird’s Queen Street West studio are conducted by candlelight in a heated, infrared room. Or, try an evening Sound Bath using crystal singing bowls to spur sleep-friendly relaxation.
Sleep tip #8: Stick to your routine
Try to wake up close to your normal time and lean into your fave home comforts—even if that goes beyond just your go-to flannel PJs.
Missing your beloved bedside orchid? Make a new Plant Pal at Yorkville’s Kimpton Saint George. Ask the front desk, and a unique, locally sourced plant will be delivered to your room with a name tag and simple care instructions.
Need a sunrise or sunset ice bath? Book a visit to Othership for a communal sauna-ice bath experience.
Sleep tip #9: Float away
A sensory deprivation tank—also known by the more seductive acronym REST therapy (restricted environmental stimulation therapy)—may offer significant benefits for sleep difficulties.
Let your worries drift away as you float weightlessly in a tank of warm water and 1,000 pounds of healing Epsom salts at H2O Float Spa in The Distillery District or Float Toronto on Queen Street West
Sleep tip #10: Doze with your dog
While research is split on whether sleeping with your pup is better, if it already works for you at home, there’s no need to nix the puppy pile on sleepcation.
Pet-friendly Toronto hotels include central options like the W Toronto, Ace Hotel and Bisha Hotel Toronto. The Kimpton Saint George also provides dog beds, water bowls and even a doggy bathroom on request.
Want to bring home a new dog bed for Stella or Milo? Head to Dogfather & Co. or The Dog Bowl to shop for chic and cozy options in every size.