If you’re considering taking a night train this year and want to ensure you’ll get a restful sleep, here are top tips from health expert Jessica Sepel, founder of JSHealth Vitamins.
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The trend for sleeper train travel is showing no signs of slowing in 2025. Riding the rails overnight is not just a more sustainable alternative to flying, but it is also a more memorable experience. As dark falls, you get cozy in your cabin—with an actual bed that doesn’t come at business class prices—and the rocking movement lulls you to sleep. In the morning, you wake to a sunlit landscape hundreds of miles from where you started, refreshed to hit the ground running.
Well, that’s the ideal scenario anyway. Unfortunately, not all travelers find it easy to nod off in unfamiliar environments. If you’re considering taking a night train this year and want to ensure you’ll get a restful sleep, here are top tips from health expert Jessica Sepel, founder of JSHealth Vitamins. “With a few simple adjustments, you can transform your night train journey into a restful and rejuvenating experience,” she says.
How To Get Quality Sleep When Traveling On A Night Train
“Quality sleep is one of the most important pillars of wellbeing, yet it can feel elusive when traveling—especially on an overnight train. But with the right tools, you can create a sense of calm and comfort, wherever you are,” says Sepel.
Her first top is to create a pre-sleep ritual. “Just like at home, having a consistent routine signals to your body that it’s time to rest. A warm herbal tea, a few deep breaths and a magnesium supplement can help you unwind before bed,” she says. Overnight, make sure you block out disruptions by using eye masks, earplugs and white noise. If you’re sensitive to movement, try lying on your back with a pillow to support your lower spine for added stability.
If you want that refreshed, bright-eyed look in the morning, Sepel says pre-bedtime skincare is key.
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Sepel says hydration is important, but timing it right is the trick. “Drink plenty of water during the day to stay hydrated but taper off close to bedtime to avoid frequent wake-ups,” she says. Finally, Sepel recommends supporting your circadian rhythm. “If traveling across time zones, try to get morning sunlight exposure upon arrival to reset your body clock naturally.”
Top Health Products To Get A Good Sleep When Traveling
Her number one product for sleep is magnesium, which she calls her “go-to for winding down”. If you don’t like swallowing pills, her company produces a powder version which you can take with water or mix into a bedtime drink.
“It contains three forms of bioavailable, quality magnesium, including magnesium glycinate, a highly absorbable form known for its ability to support relaxation and sleep quality,” Sepel says.
If you want that refreshed, bright-eyed look in the morning, Sepel says pre-bedtime skincare is key. Air conditioning and cabin conditions can be dehydrating for the skin, so she recommends locking in moisture before sleep.
She suggests using a moisturiser that is rich in nourishing ingredients like seaweed, lactobacillus ferment and ceramides, helping to keep skin plump and hydrated throughout the night. “Pair it with our Illuminating Peptide Eye Serum to refresh tired eyes and wake up looking well-rested,” she says.