Inside the $600 billion “sleep tourism” industry
The $600 billion sleep tourism industry has emerged as more Americans prioritize sleep over traditional vacation activities like shopping or sightseeing. Luxury hotels are partnering with sleep scientists to offer high-end sleep optimization packages, such as the Sleep Lab at Equinox Hotel in New York City. These scientifically designed experiences aim to combat widespread sleep deprivation, which the CDC has labeled a public health epidemic.
- ▪Sleep tourism has become a $600 billion global industry, with sleeping now the top vacation activity for US travelers.
- ▪Equinox Hotels offers a nearly $2,000-per-night Sleep Lab room designed in collaboration with sleep scientist Dr. Matthew Walker.
- ▪The CDC reports that about one-third of US adults and children do not get enough sleep.
- ▪Luxury sleep packages are available in locations including Fiji, Portugal, Hawaii, and New York City.
- ▪Sleep tourism reflects a broader trend of health gamification, where sleep is tracked and optimized like other wellness metrics.
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PodcastsInside the $600 billion “sleep tourism” industryI went to a $2,000 hotel and all I got was this really good night of sleep.by Peter Balonon-Rosen and Noel KingMay 4, 2026, 8:15 PM UTCShareGiftVox producer Peter Balonon-Rosen with his recording equipment in his room at the Sleep Lab at Equinox Hotel in New York City. Peter Balonon-Rosen/VoxSleep can feel like a precious commodity in my household.My wife has had her fair share of insomnia. Across the hall, our one-and-a-half-year-old is…well, a one-and-a-half-year-old. The days of regular, two to three times a night wake-ups have barely faded. Plus, all it takes is one daycare sickness to take us right back. I’m a stay-up-too-late procrastinating kind of guy.
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