EnergyPod at the W San Francisco
Jet lag sucks. Anyone who’s ever traveled to a foreign country (and I’m not talking Canada or Mexico) knows what I’m talking about. Contrary to what Sarah Palin would like us all to think, going across the Bering Strait doesn’t count either. I’m talking about intercontinental travel that involves crossing multiple time zones.
The W San Francisco has a futuristic remedy for the weary traveler. Inside the hotel are some snazzy EnergyPods that are designed to give jet lagged travelers the perfect place to quickly recharge their batteries. These “power nap” pods take pressure off the cardiac system and relax the back. The semi-enclosed structure provides privacy and also plays soothing sounds to eliminate surrounding distractions. Afraid of oversleeping? There’s even an armrest timer that gently wakes you with a combination of lights and vibrations.
If a short power nap in these EnergyPods isn’t enough to do the trick, international jet setters can book a jet lag remedy at the signature Bliss Spa as well. The “Jet Out” aromatherapy service is a time-aligned rub of pine, rosemary, and eucalyptus that can be added to any massage.
Earlier in the year, there was also a lot of attention on Westin’s Jet Lag Room, a special concept guestroom at the Westin Chicago River North hotel. To help ease the adverse effects of jet lag, Westin partnered up with Philips and some sleep doctors to develop amenities and services specifically geared for the jet lagged traveler. What exactly do they get in these rooms?
- blue-light ActiViva lamps to increase alertness and energy
- eucalyptis shower fizzer
- guided-meditation sleep TV program
- room-service menu with calming snacks and beverages
- blackout curtains (my personal favorite)
Westin Jet Lag Room - Blue Light Shower
USA Today’s travel expert, Peter Greenberg, had the opportunity to test drive the Westin Jet Lag Room, and he says, “Inside the shower you’ll find a high-intensity light that its manufacturer claims will reset your body clock (and your circadian rhythms) by triggering the third receptor in the human eye. One button relaxes you. One is designed to rev you up. How does it work? According to the folks at Philips Lighting, in 2002, research revealed that a third receptor (besides cones and rods) exists in the human eye. This receptor is highly sensitive to blue light and sends a signal to our body clock, which controls our biological rhythms such as our sleep/wake cycle. Other lights in the room include motion-activated “stumble lights” that automatically turn on when you get out of bed.”
Keep in mind this is no more than a prototype at this point, so don’t expect to see these Jet Lag rooms at Westins right away. If these concept rooms prove to be effective against jet lag and sleep deprivation, then this room may eventually integrate nicely with Westin’s emphasis on all things renewing, nourishing, and energizing.
Source: MSNBC
