Did you know that “Slangry” is a thing? We often have hangry teenagers (hungry therefore angry), but I hadn’t really thought much about being angry from being sleep deprived. A good night’s sleep can really help everyone’s moods while travelling. Mom of 2, Elizabeth Larsen explains…

My daughter was two years old when we took her to her very first trip abroad, a vacation that I was very nervous about before beginning. I fought off the anxiety by making sure we packed everything we needed – from her medicine kit to her favourite teddy bear – and by the end of it my little family looked like a travelling circus in the middle of the airport.

That first trip provided valuable lessons for vacationing with the family. For starters, travelling together is one of the best decisions you can make with your loved ones. It allows you to create memories together and learn about the new things the world has to offer.

Secondly, it’s always good to take advantage of the different perks of travelling with children. To get a general idea, the Huffington Post laid out the benefits of travelling with children in an article they published. Travelling with a baby not only lets you skip airport queues. It also helps in being more present and receptive to the things around you. Last but not least, the trip showed just how important sleep can be during vacations.

Here are some of the reasons why the amount and quality of sleep while on vacation can make or break your trip.

It makes you ready for the challenges ahead.

This is one of the most obvious benefits of sleep when travelling, but it’s one of the easiest to overlook. Reader’s Digest revealed that good sleep is linked to higher alertness, quicker response time, and better decision-making.

This is especially crucial on family trips, because even the most well planned ones may encounter problems. Kids get restless or sick, weather can be unpredictable, and flights can be delayed. Having enough sleep equips you with the mental ability to deal with the challenges that lay ahead, while also allowing you to demonstrate problem solving skills.

Sleeping soundly is a sign of preparedness.

From personal experience, it’s easier to get deep sleep after being able to fix everything you need for the next day. Otherwise, it’s unsettling and your rest may be disrupted. It can indicate whether or not there’s something unchecked in the to-do list.

If you’re getting ready for your own trip, the Telegraph’s family holiday packing list can prove to be very helpful. In addition, you can also use Sarah’s guide to packing the ‘ultimate family travel medical kit’, so you’re prepared to deal with minor conditions.

You make better memories with good sleep.

Everyone’s familiar with the cranky feeling of being sleep deprived, which Leesa have labelled as “slangry”. But as it turns out, sleep affects more than just a person’s mood.

Lack of sleep hampers a person’s ability to learn and remember things. What’s worse, the effect of sleep deprivation is stronger on good memories – with participants in one sleep study found to be twice as likely to form strong negative memories than positive or neutral ones. This means that sleep is essential for making good memories with your family, and should not be treated like an optional activity during vacations.

Travelling with kids can be stressful and tiring, but it is also one of the most fulfilling activities you can experience together as a family. With a vigilant mindset, eye for detail, and good sleep, you’ll find that the benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

About the author: Elizabeth Larsen is a graphic designer and a mom of two. When she’s not chasing after her energetic son or helping her daughter devour books, Elizabeth loves to hike, paint, and write.