Sleep engineers at Simba have dreamed up a unique getaway designed specifically to leverage daylight to improve guests' slumber.

Two-thirds of Brits get less than three hours of daylight exposure in winter – could Simba’s sleep retreat be the answer?

Feeling the effects of waking up on the “wrong side of the bed” can ruin a day. Well, now experts are suggesting you should consider waking up on the *right* side of the UK. Suffolk to be precise.  

Sleep engineers at Simba have dreamed up a unique getaway designed specifically to leverage daylight to improve guests’ slumber.

The Breaking Dawn retreat, which designers plan to open to guests in July 2025, will be situated at Ness Point, Lowestoft – the easternmost point in the UK and the first place in Britain to greet the morning sun.

With dramatic floor-to-ceiling glazing, precision-automated blinds timed to rise exactly at sunrise will steadily “light drench” each of the four sleep-optimised suites at the first-of-its-kind sleep retreat – encouraging guests to wake gradually.

Morning light is the single most important ingredient for setting our circadian clock. It helps our body clock match nature’s day-night cycle. This makes our sleep routine stronger, keeping us awake in the daytime and ready for sleep at night. At night, light can disturb your sleep, but in the morning, it can be the golden ticket to better rest.” says Lisa Artis, deputy CEO at Simba’s charity partner, The Sleep Charity.

Just as going to sleep in a dark room is vital, studies have shown exposure to sunlight at the right time can help us sleep in the evening because it helps reset your body’s inner sleep clock. Exposure to natural scenery has also been shown to have a positive impact on emotions and performance, while views of blue spaces may help you sleep for longer.”

Plans for the Breaking Dawn retreat follow new research from Simba, revealing nearly a third of Brits (33%) get less than three hours of daylight exposure daily in summersurging to two-thirds of adults in winter. 

This limited exposure can severely impact sleep quality, mental health and overall well-being, highlighting the need for greater daylight awareness. 

The data also shows nearly half of Brits (42%) now prioritise rest, sleep and reconnecting with nature when booking holidays.

Creating an oasis in which to unwind, the best bedrooms do not easily let in or emit sound. Early images of the Breaking Dawn retreat show natural noise-absorbing pulp panels for restful acoustics. 

Simba is also collaborating with sound engineers to curate healing 528 Hz frequency playlists and 432 Hz compilations to encourage greater connection with nature, reduce the stress hormone cortisol and increase oxytocin.

Textured organic aroma tiles naturally infused with lichen, lavender, peppermint and British mountain sheep wool create sensory-rich flooring, where each step is designed to promote relaxation and stress reduction.

The Breaking Dawn retreat won’t *just* rely on sunlight to improve your rest. Each suite will come complete with Simba’s award-winning cool-touch pillows and duvets, using patented Stratos technology. Fusing the finest cashmere and soft mohair with the latest sleep tech, guests will rest on a Simba Ultra mattress engineered to encourage REM-rich slumber –  the type of sleep essential for maintaining cognitive function, emotional well-being, and overall physical health.

The minimalist design of the restorative getaway enhances the pacifying power of the view, which starts at the foot of the cutting-edge mattress and extends across the vast seascape, according to the sleep technology brand. The area is also a haven for wildlife, unique flora and fauna and landscapes enriched with history.

Recalling an era when our internal clocks were guided by the rising and setting of the sun, rather than the glare of artificial light and mobile phones, candle-lit hurricane lamps cast a warm, flickering glow across each bedroom to reduce blue light exposure, maintain natural circadian rhythms and improve sleep.

During their stay, guests will have the  opportunity to book workshops with a series of Simba ambassadors and sleep experts, designed to help them explore a deeper, more restful world of sleep.

These immersive sessions will guide participants through innovative and personalised approaches to enhancing their sleep quality. 

Workshops will include Nap Yoga & Sleep Ritual Creation, where guests will design their own evening routines to promote relaxation; a Dream Mapping & Visualization Art Workshop, allowing participants to explore and express their dreams through creative artwork; a Sound Sleep Symphony DIY Sleep Soundtrack Workshop, where guests will craft their own sleep soundscapes blending soothing natural sounds with personalised tones for the perfect night’s rest; and the Sunrise Reset & Morning Light Workshop, which explores the vital role morning daylight plays in regulating sleep cycles. 

Guests will also learn how exposure to natural light boosts energy levels and sets the body’s internal clock for deeper, more restorative sleep. A breakfast menu, rich in melatonin, tryptophan, serotonin and Vitamin D, together with cortisol-lowering smoothies will also be served to visitors.

“Sleep was once considered the dullest thing you could do on holiday, now it’s celebrated as an essential reset for the mind and body,” explains Simba CEO Steve Reid. “People are increasingly aware of the harmful effects of high cortisol levels linked to stress and disrupted sleep patterns. Seeking serene destinations naturally helps lower this stress hormone, helping us to relax and rejuvenate. This trend has made travel destinations promoting quality sleep sought-after havens.

“With more of us struggling with sleep, quality rest has become a precious commodity. It’s essential for your body and brain to function properly and can add years to your life. As well as improving sleep, morning light exposure has been linked to boosting alertness, sharpening cognitive function and overall mental well-being. It helps us feel more energised and focused, making it easier to tackle the day! At Simba, we’re constantly exploring new ways to innovate with our technology and reimagine experiences. We have reached out to local authorities, and anticipate further updates in the near future.”

Pioneers in early sleep tourism, Simba unveiled a state-of-the-art apartment in 2018 called the “Zed Rooms” featuring a cocoon-like bed mimicking the safety of a mother’s womb to combat the ‘first night effect’ commonly experienced by travellers staying in unfamiliar places.

If the sleep retreat receives the council’s approval, stays at Simba’s Breaking Dawn retreat will start from £295/night.

More information on Simba’s blog here: https://simbasleep.com/blogs/night-life/simba-sleep-retreat

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Our Editorial Team are writers and experts in their field. Their views and opinions may not always be the views of Wellbeing Magazine. If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommnedations in these articles.

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