Whether traveling for business or pleasure, it's easy to find yourself deprived of restful sleep. Though to many of us a lack of sleep may seem par for the course when traveling, it's important to give our bodies the rest and relaxation we need to avoid symptoms of sleep deprivation, such as headaches, irritability, decreased concentration and indigestion.

At best, the consequences of not getting enough sleep can cause us discomfort, but at worst, sleep deprivation can also be quite dangerous. Particularly when driving, too little sleep can be hazardous to yourself as well as others on the road. Research has even found that a lack of sleep can mimic the effects of alcohol while driving, causing delays in reaction time and an inability to focus.

Experts suggest getting plenty of rest the night before a road trip. During the planning stage of your trip, do not schedule yourself for more than 10 hours of drive time per day and while on the road, try to stop every 100 miles or every two hours. If possible, try to drive during the day and keep your car temperature cool. Even maintaining good posture while driving can help you stay awake, staving off the drowsiness that slumping can bring.

If you're planning a flight to a different time zone, jet lag presents your main obstacle in staying well-rested. To help lessen the effects of jet lag, experts recommend preparing your body for an upcoming trip by tweaking your sleep schedule for five days leading up to your departure. If you're flying east, try going to bed and waking up earlier; if flying west, try going to bed and waking up later.

When booking the flight, try to reserve seats that will offer the most leg room, such as those in the emergency row or along the aisle. Before and during the flight, eat light and stay hydrated - but in doing so, minimize alcoholic and caffeinated beverages. Plan to wear loose clothing and choose layers for comfort and warmth during the flight, and slip off your shoes once airborne to relax.

Once you arrive at your destination, try to acclimate yourself to the new time zone by resetting your watch. Try to avoid napping and stay awake the entire day to reset your sleep cycle. When you check into your hotel, request a room away from common areas such as stairwells and vending machine/laundry rooms. If your room is facing a street or highway, ask for the second floor or higher, to minimize the noise of passing traffic.

From the planning stages of your next trip to actually arriving at your destination, there are a number of steps you can take to help stay rested while traveling. Getting enough sleep will not only make your trip more enjoyable, but can help ensure you get back home safely.