Your guide to people, places, and happenings in NMB

You know that feeling when you’re lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering why your brain has decided that 11 PM is the perfect time to replay your day on loop? Or suddenly waking up at 3 AM to picture all the ways your next work presentation might go wrong?

Your bedroom has blackout curtains, the perfect temperature, and a mattress that blew your budget. You even have a white noise playlist and a lavender mist. So why are you still not sleeping properly?

You’re not imagining it, and you’re not alone. A recent study found that nearly 1 in 6 adults struggles to fall asleep most nights, and even more wake up multiple times. But while we’re all out here searching for the next sleep hack, it turns out one of the best solutions might not be a gadget at all, it might be a getaway.

According to a growing body of research, nature-based holidays may be one of the most enjoyable, sustainable, and effective sleep remedies available.

“There’s something incredibly restorative about escaping to nature,” says Samantha Pillay, Director at lifestyle brand ekko. “After just a few days away, I’m sleeping deeply, waking up refreshed, and feeling mentally reset. The benefits go far beyond fresh air and pretty views.”

Here’s why your sleep improves so dramatically when you spend time in nature, and why booking that bush break or beach trip might do more for your nervous system than your current night routine.

1. Your body clock resets.

Natural light exposure (especially in the morning) helps regulate your circadian rhythm — the internal clock that tells your body when to sleep and wake. A 2013 study in Current Biology found that just a few days of increased daylight exposure can shift this rhythm into better sync with the natural day-night cycle.²

2. Stress melts away.

Nature lowers cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress and poor sleep. A meta-analysis published in Environmental Research confirmed that time in natural environments reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and promotes relaxation, all vital for falling and staying asleep.³

3. Activity improves sleep.

Whether it’s walking trails, paddling in a river or dam, horseback riding, or simply exploring, holidays in nature naturally involve more physical activity. The Sleep Foundation confirms that moderate movement during the day helps people fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep cycles.⁴

4. You disconnect properly.

The absence of constant digital noise, artificial light, and city traffic helps your nervous system settle. A quieter environment without screens before bed supports melatonin production, which is key to falling asleep.⁵

5. It’s Not Just Sleep – It’s Wellness

Time spent in green and blue spaces,like forests, lakes, and oceans,has been linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and sharper cognitive function. Research in Environmental Health Perspectives shows that greater exposure to nature strengthens resilience and boosts overall wellbeing, helping you return from your holiday feeling mentally refreshed.⁶

5 Places in NMB to Get Your Nature Fix

You don’t need a passport or a full week off to start sleeping better. Here are five local spots in Nelson Mandela Bay where you can escape the noise and let your body exhale.

1. Van Stadens Wild Flower Reserve
A quick drive from the city but feels like another world. Walk, picnic, breathe deeply, your brain will thank you.

2. Island Nature Reserve
Shady forest walks, birdwatching, and quiet time under a canopy of trees. Great for resetting your nervous system.

3. Sardinia Bay
Still one of the best spots in the Bay for barefoot walks, salt air, and wind-down sunsets.

4. Settlers Park
Right in the heart of the city, ideal for lunch-break mindfulness or weekend walks without a long drive.

5. The Sacramento Trail
Dunes, coastline, fynbos, and just enough effort to leave you pleasantly tired, the kind of tired that leads to real sleep.

And if you’re looking for something a little further out, this is where ekko comes in. With access to over 50 top-tier resorts in South Africa and thousands more internationally.

“We don’t always realise how badly our bodies need a reset,” says Pillay. “If you’re struggling to sleep, don’t just reach for a pill — reach for your suitcase and head for the horizon.”