Why a Natural Escape Might Be the Best Sleep Remedy Yet
We’ve all been there: lights off, body exhausted, but your brain is staging a full-blown mental marathon as the clock strikes midnight. You’ve invested in the blackout curtains, the fancy mattress, even that highly rated sleep app that tracks your cycles. And yet, you are still only clocking in four hours of sleep at best. Well, Samantha Pillay, Director at ekko knows what you are feeling, and she delves into the science behind it all. She also tells of a nearly guaranteed solution frighteningly few people turn to: nature.
Science Talk: The Quantitive Figures Behind Qualitative Data
If this insomnia sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Research shows that nearly 1 in 6 adults struggle to fall asleep regularly, while an additional 18% report waking up throughout the night. But, while many of us are chasing the next sleep hack or splurging on high-tech gadgets, the real remedy may be far simpler, and a whole lot more enjoyable.
It turns out, according to science, the best-kept sleep secret is hiding in plain sight: nature.
Samantha Pillay, Director at ekko — a lifestyle travel brand aimed at savvy millennials — puts it perfectly when asked how she feels after a nightcap in nature: “After just a few days, I’m sleeping deeply, waking up refreshed, and wishing I could extend my stay. There’s something incredibly restorative about escaping to nature. From soft ocean breezes to forest walks and crisp mountain air away from the crowds, the benefits go far beyond fresh air and pretty views.”
Furthermore, there’s science to back up her experience. From beach strolls and forest trails to mountain air and ocean breezes, the benefits of nature on our sleep cycles are real, measurable and immediate. Here’s why a natural escape might just be the ultimate sleep therapy:
1. Your Body Clock Gets a Natural Reset
When you’re out in nature, you’re exposed to more natural light, especially in the morning. This is exactly what your internal body clock (aka your circadian rhythm) craves. A study in current biology found that even a few days away from artificial lighting can sync your sleep-wake cycle to the natural rise and fall of the sun. The result? Falling asleep earlier and waking more naturally.
2. Stress Starts to Dissolve
That calm you feel during a forest walk or while staring at the ocean? It’s not just in your head. Nature exposure has been shown to lower cortisol levels, which is the stress hormone directly linked to insomnia and restless nights. A major meta-analysis confirmed that time spent in green spaces significantly reduces stress, blood pressure and anxiety, all of which help pave the way to better sleep.
3. Movement Comes Naturally
Without even trying, you’re usually more physically active when holidaying in nature. Whether you’re hiking, swimming, cycling, or simply exploring a new landscape, experiences are linked to activities. And this movement matters: moderate daily exercise has been proven to help people fall asleep faster and enjoy more restorative sleep cycles.
4. You Disconnect For Real This Time
No notifications, no late-night doomscrolling, no glaring screens. Time in nature usually comes with some digital detox by default. Research shows that stepping away from your devices allows your nervous system to unwind and your melatonin (the sleep hormone) to flow freely. Translation: it’s easier to fall asleep — and stay asleep — when your brain isn’t overstimulated.
5. It’s Not Just About Sleep — It’s Holistic Wellness
There’s a growing body of research linking time spent in natural environments to improved mood, better focus, lower anxiety and even enhanced memory. One review published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that regular exposure to green and blue spaces—like forests, mountains and coastlines — can significantly boost mental wellbeing and resilience.
Where to Go When You’re Ready to Recharge: “ekko” Has You Sorted
Whether you’re dreaming of the Drakensberg’s rugged peaks, a blissful beach in Thailand, or quiet forest paths in the German countryside, nature-based holidays aren’t just good for your Instagram, they’re good for your health.
For ekko members, accessing these kinds of escapes is easier than ever. The membership unlocks discounted luxury stays across South Africa and beyond, including over 50 premium local resorts, more than 10,000 SA properties at up to 50% off, and over 500,000 curated destinations worldwide — from cruises and tours to car hire and flights. Think of it as travel therapy.
Pillay sums it up best: “The fact is that so often we don’t realise how much our bodies need a reset. So, if you’re always struggling to sleep, don’t reach for a sleeping pill, reach for your suitcase and head for the horizon. A break in nature might be exactly what your body has been asking for.”
Therefore, the next time you find yourself counting sheep at midnight, maybe it’s time to stop scrolling and start planning. Your natural escape — and best night’s sleep — might be just a booking away.
