A few months ago, I traveled to Sacramento to run a marathon.

But, I just couldnt sleep.

I would start to doze off and then find myself wide awake.

Man awaking from sleep

Credit: Getty Images

It was extremely frustrating.

They arent completely sure why yet, but the less asleep brain hemisphere was always on the left.

That side was also more responsive to noise.

So my meeting is not contaminated by the first night effect, she said.

Thats a tactic frequent traveler Patricia Hajifotiou practices.

Because she leads tours around the world through her companyThe Olive Odysseys, shes always sleeping in new places.

This works in two ways, she said.

He also recommends white noise or ambient noise apps to cover up any unfamiliar sounds.

Then, she came up with some methods to help her better sleep.

She uses a small bottle of pillow mist to spray her bed linens.

He also tries to control temperature, humidity, and stress.

And, he has one more tip.

I just gave up trying to sleep well the first night, she said.