Have trouble sleeping in a new place? Most do because of the first-night effect

He is a victim of what sleep specialists call the first-night effect. LEARN MORE“It’s assumed to be an adaptation response that the sleeping brain remains vigilant in this unfamiliar environment,” Wick said. “It’s not exactly like dolphins, but still, studies show part of the brain is sleeping less.” And people who have trouble sleeping at home might fare better because they don’t associate the new place with a history of difficulty sleeping. While anyone can experience the first-night effect, Strauss said those who are more anxious at baseline are especially vulnerable.