Lisa Strauss

The first-night effect causes individuals to sleep less deeply and wake up more often when they are in a new location. Sleep researchers attribute this phenomenon, which may have evolutionary roots, to an adaptation response keeping the brain vigilant in an unfamiliar environment. This effect is noted to be more pronounced in children, adolescents, and older adults compared to those in their 20s.

The first night in a new location often triggers the 'first-night effect,' causing individuals to sleep less and less deeply than usual. This phenomenon, which sleep specialists believe has evolutionary roots, is thought to be an adaptation response keeping the sleeping brain vigilant in unfamiliar environments. While age affects severity, the effect tends to lessen after the first night.