How to Actually Sleep While Camping
It’s not as impossible as you think
Studies have shown that camping can reset our body clocks and help us sleep easier. Time out in nature away from our devices can help recalibrate our circadian rhythms. However, if you’re someone for whom sleep doesn’t come easy, falling asleep while camping in an unfamiliar outdoor environment can be an exhausting nightmare. From temperature control issues, to nighttime critter fears, to digestive dilemmas, sleeping under the stars isn’t necessarily always as easy as it seems. Here’s how to get your best night’s sleep while camping.
Book a Spacious Campsite
Some campsites offer guests more privacy than others. You also never know who else will be staying at any given campsite. There’s nothing worse than booking a relaxing camping adventure only to arrive and find a rowdy bachelor party raging at the tent site next door. While you can’t necessarily control every variable when booking a campsite stay, you can make sure to reserve a space at a camping ground with very spread out tent sites. Reading reviews on sites like Hipcamp or Yelp or submitting questions to campsite staff ahead of time are great ways to set yourself up for success.
Pack a Portable Noise Machine
Yes, you may be heading into the great outdoors to take a break from technology. If you’re not used to being outside at night, though, the silence can be overwhelming. So can the animal sounds. The outdoors at night isn’t necessarily everyone’s ideal soundscape. Bring your own portable sound machine to counteract those audial triggers.
Download Sleep Stories
Again, outdoor nighttime noises aren’t for everyone. Another great way to distract yourself from nature’s unsettling sounds is to lull yourself to sleep with a sleep story. Be sure to download your stories ahead of time, when you still have WiFi.
Pack Layers
Temperature regulation can be another sleep deterrent outdoors. Sometimes it’s way too hot. Other times you are freezing so bad the teeth chattering alone drives you mad. When camping, be sure to pack layers so that you’re ready for anything.
Find Even Ground
Despite what our manicured parks might have us thinking, out in the wilderness Mother Earth isn’t necessarily always level. Once you get to your campsite, choose your tent location mindfully. Try to set yourself up on even ground so gravity’s not pulling at you weird all night long. Also, if there’s any chance things might get wet, make sure you’re not situated at the base of any potential runoff. Nothing worse than waking up drenched.
Soak in the Sun
Once you’re all set up at your campsite and enjoying the great outdoors, soak in as much sun as you can. The more natural light our bodies absorb during the day, the more melatonin we produce at night, which helps improve our sleep quality.
Tire Yourself Out
Don’t just sit by that campfire for hours on end. Tire yourself out! Go for a long hike. Swim in a nearby stream. Climb a tree. Anything that will exert your energy and leave you exhausted by sundown.
Mind Your Alcohol Consumption
While it can be super fun to share beers around the campfire, drinking too much can lead to a poor night’s sleep. This may seem counterintuitive since alcohol is a depressant, but alcohol can actually disturb our REM cycles, causing lighter sleep and more chances of waking during the night. If you’re worried you won’t fall asleep easily outside, do yourself a favor and mind your alcohol intake.
Accessorize Your Outdoor Bed
Just because you’re sleeping outside doesn’t mean you have to go without. Bring a really comfortable, breathable camping pillow. Invest in a sleep pad. Heck, blow up a mattress if you want! Wear earbuds and an eye mask to cancel out loud sounds and bright lights. Do whatever you have to do to feel most comfortable. There is absolutely no shame in making your outdoor adventure more comfortable.
