The State of Sleep in the GCC

The survey of 2,727 respondents reveals core insights into the region's sleep habits:

• Quantity of Sleep: While 51% of respondents report sleeping six to eight hours per night, only 19% achieve the recommended eight or more hours per night and 24% consistently sleeping less than six hours per night.
• Sleep’s Importance: 62% of GCC respondents consider sleep “very important” to their overall wellbeing, with women (67%) prioritising it more than men (59%). Married individuals with children (65%) place higher importance on sleep than singles (55%).
• Symptoms of Sleep Deprivation: Fatigue (58%), headaches (56%), and low energy (52%) are widespread among those experiencing insufficient rest. Notably, 65% of respondents aged 45 and above report feeling fatigued, compared to an overall average of 48%.
• Regional Variations: Sleep patterns differ across the GCC, with respondents in Bahrain reporting the highest average sleep duration (56% getting 6-8 hours) compared to lower averages in KSA and Kuwait (48%).

A Home Away from Home

Understanding what makes a perfect night’s sleep allows hotels to fine-tune their offerings and provide a truly restful escape that feels just like home - or better. Here are some factors to consider:

• Key Amenities: In terms of important hotel amenities, GCC respondents cited high-quality mattresses and pillows (62%), temperature control (61%), soundproofing (53%) and blackout curtains (51%) as the most important contributors for a good night’s sleep at a hotel.
• Gendered Experiences: Men (53%) report better sleep quality in hotels compared to women (51%).

The Role of Sleepcations in the Hospitality Industry

The survey reveals a growing awareness of quality sleep as a cornerstone of overall wellness. High-level professionals and travellers are increasingly seeking “sleepcations,” short stays designed to optimise rest and rejuvenation. Four Seasons properties are uniquely positioned to meet this demand by addressing common sleep barriers with offerings that include:

• Signature Four Seasons Mattresses: Four Seasons beds are designed for maximum comfort, with three customisable mattress toppers available to every guest, including Signature, Plush, or Firm.
• Luxurious Linens and Robes: High-thread-count sheets and plush robes enhance comfort, making bedtime feel indulgent and restorative.
• Enhanced Sleep Environments: Incorporating double-walled windows for soundproofing, in-room temperature controls, and blackout shades.
• Targeted Offerings: Recognising that women and families with children value sleep highly, properties can introduce gender-specific amenities and family-friendly packages to ensure restful stays for these demographics.

Sleep at Four Seasons

To further elevate sleep quality, Four Seasons provides a selection of sleep-focused experiences at select properties, allowing guests to discover personalised approaches that align with their wellness needs:

• Sleeping Ritual at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach: The Pearl Spa offers a Sleeping Ritual comprising a relaxing tea ritual, foot bath, aromatic breath exercise, 20-minute back massage, and 20-minute scalp massage.
• Custom Pillow Menu at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay: Guests can choose from a specially curated pillow menu tailored to individual sleep preferences, including options like the Symphony Pillow for all-night support, the Long Hug Pillow for added comfort, and the V-Shape Back Support Pillow for proper neck and shoulder alignment.
• The Pearl Spa & Wellness at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island: Guests can enjoy sound healing therapy, guided meditation, and personalised yoga sessions to reduce stress and enhance overall sleep quality.
• Wellness Programmes at Four Seasons Hotel Amman: Complimentary night stretching classes, yoga, and meditation sessions are available for in-house guests to enhance sleep quality.

Conclusion

With sleep tourism emerging as a significant trend, Four Seasons focuses on ensuring guests enjoy the most restful night’s sleep through unparalleled luxury, customisable sleep amenities, and renowned personalised service. By leveraging these insights, Four Seasons seeks to empower guests to unlock the restorative power of rest, enhancing both their health and productivity.

Four Seasons has commissioned a study to understand sleep patterns in the GCC and the above white paper sheds light on some some exclusive insights from their President of EMEA Operations Adrian Messerli.

I am attaching, the white paper from Four Seasons which includes important key statistics on sleep patterns in the GCC, including that over 24% of GCC residents consistently sleep less than six hours per night.