The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown Collaborates with Dr. Whitney Roban to Introduce Innovative Sleep Enhancing Programs

The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown is proud to announce a groundbreaking collaboration with Dr. Whitney Roban, Ph.D., a leading sleep expert, to launch a new sleep enhancing program designed to support the wellness routines of its guests, specifically those who experience “First Night Effect.” According to Dr. Roban, research has shown that when individuals travel to unfamiliar environments, such as hotel rooms, one half of the brain enters into a hyper vigilant state. This increased alertness disrupts the natural sleep cycle, particularly impacting the crucial slow wave deep sleep stage. This phenomenon is known as the “First Night Effect.” Dr. Roban has identified strategies to mitigate this effect, ensuring guests enjoy a restful night’s sleep from the moment they arrive.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Dr. Whitney Roban to address the challenges travelers face with the First Night Effect,” said Kori Johnson, General Manager of The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown. “Her expertise in sleep psychology has been instrumental in developing a signature experience that enhances the sleep quality of our guests, and each of our associates have been trained by Dr. Roban on the topic of sleep.” 

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the hotel’s commitment to providing an unparalleled guest experience focused on rejuvenation and well-being. The first iteration of this new program includes a Sleep Oasis Package designed by Dr. Whitney Roban, with a permanent bookable Sleep Oasis guest room type to follow. 

Dr. Roban’s recommendations for the Sleep Oasis package includes complimentary: Hushh® Compact Sound Machine, Happy Ears earplugs, The Herbal Zen aromatherapy shower steamers, a Nodpod sleep mask and Westin Sleep Well Tea Blends and Tea service to optimize the sleep environment in guests’ rooms. These enhancements are tailored to align with Dr. Roban’s research, offering guests a comprehensive solution to combat the “First Night Effect” and promote a deep, rejuvenating sleep experience. The introduction of this offering coincides with the recent launch of the brand’s next generation Heavenly® Bed, which is currently rolling out across every Westin Hotels & Resorts guest room and suite, and is now available at The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown.

Many travelers are now considering a restorative night’s sleep as a pivotal part of their overall travel experience, a subject in which Westin has served as an authoritative source for decades. This new prioritization in sleep quality has individuals seeking out new ways to optimize their sleep experience while traveling, as evidenced by the booming sleep sector which is expected to grow by over $400 billion through 2028. 

“Our goal is to empower guests to prioritize their sleep and overall well-being while traveling,” said Dr. Whitney Roban. “By integrating evidence-based strategies and personalized amenities, we aim to create an environment where guests can unwind, relax, and achieve restorative sleep throughout their stay.”

The collaboration between The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown and Dr. Whitney Roban exemplifies a shared commitment to innovation and wellness-centric hospitality while further elevating Westin’s positioning as the preeminent wellness brand in hospitality. Together, they will continue to raise the bar for sleep wellness in the hospitality industry and ensure that every guest enjoys a revitalizing experience.

For more information on The Westin Washington, D.C. Downtown’s sleep enhancing programs and to book your stay, please visit www.marriott.com/waswc.

About Westin® Hotels & Resorts

Westin Hotels & Resorts, hospitality’s global leader in well-being for more than a decade, empowers guests to transcend the rigors of travel while on the road through the brand’s Six Pillars of well-being: Sleep Well, Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well, Work Well, and Play Well. At more than 240 hotels and resorts in over 40 countries and territories, guests can benefit from distinct wellness experiences including the brand’s iconic and award-winning Heavenly® Bed, signature WestinWORKOUT® offerings such as its 24/7 Fitness Studios, WestinWORKOUT Routes, and its versatile Gear Lending program featuring the latest in recovery and strength training from Hyperice and Bala, delicious and nutritious menu offerings on their Eat Well menu, and more. For more information, please visit www.westin.com and stay connected on X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Westin is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Dr. Whitney Roban

Dr. Whitney Roban is a Sleep Expert, Author, and Founder of Solve Our Sleep. Her mission is to provide the sleep education and support we need to not only survive, but to thrive. Dr. Roban’s training and experience as a Clinical Psychologist paved the way to her success as a leading sleep expert. Dr. Roban is the author of the award winning Devin & Evan children’s book series, and the first-ever School Healthy Sleep Curriculum. She is also a sought-after presenter and resident sleep expert to corporations, schools, hotels, spas, and wellness companies. Dr. Roban has been featured in national media such as The New York Times, CNN, The TODAY Show, NBC News, ABC News, Fox News, Forbes, and Rolling Stone.