Goldfish For Hire At Travelodge

Budget hotel chain, Travelodge, has launched a trial of its Goldfish Hire Service - a service to help its customers get to sleep at night. The trial responds to a recent sleep study conducted for the hotel company which stated that 63% of the nation is sleep deprived due to stress and 58% said watching goldfish could be the answer.

During the trial customers at the Leeds Vicar Lane and Birmingham Fort Dunlop Travelodge hotels, will be able to request a fish therapy room at time of check-in for no extra cost. Customers will be encouraged to follow the hotel's guide to relaxation before bedtime and to watch the goldfish for 15 minutes to aid de-stressing.

Wayne Munnelly, Director of Sleep at Travelodge said:

"We are always looking at ways to get our customers a better night's sleep and watching goldfish is proving to be a popular choice."

The company says research studies over the last three decades have identified that watching fish has a calming affect on the human mind. It helps to reduce stress levels, tackle insomnia and treat a range of health issues such as high blood pressure.

In a separate Travelodge study of 2,000 UK consumers, two thirds of respondents said that they associated an aquarium with tranquillity and serenity. A third believed watching fish swim creates serenity and the goldfish was voted Britain's top favourite pet fish.

Travelodge has sought the help and advice of animal psychologist Dr Roger Mugford and sleep expert Chris Idzikowski from The Edinburgh Sleep Centre to develop its Goldfish Service and sleep guide.

Dr Mugford said:

"Many hotel customers check in after a stressful day or before a big event the following day. There is no doubt that this service can have a calming affect, inducing sleep and reducing anxiety."

Chris Idzikowski said:

"There is some evidence that gazing at fish reduces stress. Stress causes difficulties in achieving a quality night's sleep so if you have the space, time and would like to try a novel stress reduction technique, consider keeping fish. You would need to watch the fish every evening for at least 15 minutes prior to sleep".

Hotel Managers and selected members of staff at each hotel will take full responsibility regarding the welfare of their goldfish. They have all been self-trained by the RSPCA guide to looking after goldfish and Dr Roger Mugford will be on hand if they have any queries regarding the welfare of their fish, says Travelodge.