A trip to Mammoth Lakes can be restorative, unforgettable, and pure fun. But it can also throw your sleep schedule way out of whack. Whether you’re too excited about waking up and hitting the slopes tomorrow or you find the quiet tranquility of being in the mountains a little bit eerie, there are many reasons why you may struggle to get some z’s.
In this article, we’re going to help you improve your sleep while on vacation so that you can make the most of your time in Mammoth Lakes!
Pack for success
There are a few things you can pack in your suitcase that will come in handy when it’s time to hit the hay after a long day on the slopes:
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Your trusty noise machine. For us locals, falling asleep to the silence that you only get in a small mountain town is a true joy. But, if you’re not used to this level of quiet (which is even more intense after a fresh snowfall because snow absorbs soundwaves,) you might find yourself struggling to sleep. If you have a sound machine, it may be worth bringing it along, or downloading a white noise app on your phone.
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Earplugs. Okay, we said that we love falling asleep to silence, and that’s true. But that’s not to say that Mammoth is totally noise-free. In fact, no matter the time of year, our birds, like the Stellar’s Jay and the Clark’s Nutcracker, tend to wake up bright, early, and chatty. It’s also not uncommon to hear the beep-beep-beep of snow plows before dawn, at least in the winter. So, if you’re a light sleeper, think about preventing an early morning wake-up call with some earplugs.
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Your favorite breathable pajamas. It’s completely understandable to think that you should pack your warmest pajamas for a trip to Mammoth Lakes. But actually, this is a common mistake! Because you’ll likely sleep with the heater on and under plenty of blankets, you’ll actually sleep much more comfortably in a breathable fabric like cotton or merino wool. Leave the polyester, flannel, and other heat-trapping fabrics at home.
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Melatonin (if you partake). If melatonin is your favorite sleep supplement at home, make sure you bring it to the mountains as well!
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Lotion & a humidifier. One of the most surprising culprits for bad sleep up in the mountains? Our dry, mountain air! High altitude conditions can dry out the membranes in your sinuses, leading to irritation and nose bleeds. And even if you don’t develop the sniffles, you might find yourself scratching at itchy, dehydrated skin. A good remedy is to bring a humidifier and lotion, and of course, plan on drinking plenty of water.
Now, do you have to bring ALL of the items on this list? Of course not! We don’t want you to feel like you have to bring a separate suitcase just to accommodate your sleep routine. But, one or a few of these items are sure to improve your sleep.
Don’t abandon your normal bedtime
There’s no way that we can blame you for throwing your normal bedtime out the window when you’re on vacation. I mean, come on: this is the time to stay up late playing board games with the family or dancing the night away at the Village or stargazing at the natural hotsprings!
The science, unfortunately, says: stick to your bedtime, even on vacation. Studies have found that maintaining a structured sleep schedule leads to falling asleep faster and better quality sleep. So, if you want to feel more energized for tomorrow’s day on the mountain or hike to Crystal Lake, make sure you get to bed at a time that is normal for you.
Mind your beverages
For starters, drinking more water when you’re here in Mammoth is essential for good sleep and general wellbeing. As we said, it’s dry up here in the mountains and water will help to counter some of the negative effects of altitude and low humidity. Of course, you don’t want to be waking up throughout the night to tip-toe to the bathroom, so taper off your water drinking about an hour to two hours before bed.
Now, let’s talk about alcohol. In general, alcohol has a negative impact on sleep, even if you might find yourself getting drowsy after your nightcap. In reality, the hard work of metabolizing alcohol is something that your body will do once you’ve fallen asleep. And that can lead to frequent disruptions to your sleep cycle, even if you never consciously wake up.
So, while you’re here in the mountains, remember to drink more water and less alcohol.
Book the right condo
To be sure, all of the condos available at Mammoth Mountain Reservations are comfortable and cozy. But, if you really want to maximize your sleep, these condos check some extra boxes:
Discovery 4 #153
2 BR | 2 BA | 6 Guests
This cozy 2 bedroom condo at the Discovery 4 complex near Canyon Lodge has everything you need for a wonderful sleep.
Enjoy the spaciousness of a luxurious king size bed in the master and queen in the second bedroom. You’ll also benefit from the location: this condo is nestled right in the middle of the condo complex without exposure to any major roadways.
Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club #127
1 BR | 2 BA | 4 Guests
The most recent upgrades in this chic condo at Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club include new mattresses in both the master bedroom and the twin bunks off the living room. You’ll also love the fact that condo #127 has a view of the woods that serve as a backdrop to the Mammoth Ski & Racquet Club, giving you the ultimate peaceful mountain vibes.
Mountainback #41
2 BR - Loft | 3 BA | 8 Guests
Whether you catch a nap on the ultra-comfy wrap-around couch in the living room or settle in for the night in one of the king-sized beds in the master and second bedroom, you’re in for a restful sleep with Mountainback 41. With windows that face away from the street, you can relax and enjoy the peacefulness of nature right outside your window.
We hope you catch some z’s the next time you stay with us!
Getting a good night’s sleep will give you more energy for exploring nature, honing your snowboard skills, and enjoying time with family and friends. We hope that some of these tips help you to find more restful sleep while you stay here with us at Mammoth Mountain Reservations!