Getting a night of good sleep is essential for healthy living. Though we love the idea of sleeping under the stars, most of us have little experience in that department. The outdoors are a great place to sleep, but sleeping in an unusual place can be unnerving. Sleeping well is essential to enjoy the camping trip. Being tired and irritable due to a lack of sleep just won’t do!
So here are some ideas you can use to get good sleep while camping.
1. Get Comfortable Bedding
Comfortable sleep comes from comfortable bedding. Going out to sleep in the great outdoors doesn’t mean that you should be uncomfortable. It might not be possible to get comfortable as your bedroom but modern gear comes pretty close!
Several comfortable sleeping options are available to campers. These include options like camping sleeping pads. These pads can be inflatable or made from closed-cell foam. Though comfortable to sleep on, these remain lightweight and easy to carry around.
If you’re going car camping, you have more options at your disposal. You could, for example, carry a quality air mattress for greater comfort. Whatever option you choose, try it at home first to ensure they feel comfortable.
2. Find A Good Spot To Pitch Your Tent
Pitching your tent at the right spot has everything to do with how well you sleep. You want your tent on flat ground without any significant bumps or irregularities that could harm your sleep. A soft, grassy spot that’s free of rocks should work just fine. Especially one where you can watch the stars from your tent.
It pays to choose a spot that’s away from noisy neighbors. Perhaps even a bit secluded from the noise of a shared campsite. Another thing to watch out for is rain. Don’t put the best tent for heavy rain in a location that could attract draining rainwater. Even the toughest of waterproof tents will have trouble dealing with that little rivulet.
3. Get A blackout Tent That’s Good For Sleeping
The thing about campgrounds is that there’s always someone walking around. Though your neighbors might try to be considerate, the flashlights moving in the night can be disturbing. Plus, the sun comes up really early and is likely going to make a tent bright enough to ruin sleep.
A very useful solution here is to keep daylight out of tent. Some tents use special coatings on the interiors to absorb light. They are also called blackout tents or dark rest tents, and these are about as close you can get to a dark room while sleeping in a tent. And these dark rest tents are remarkably effective, rather than being gimmicky. They absorb most of the light, and the tent interiors remain dark and conducive to sleep.
4. Get A Quality Sleeping Bag
Sleeping all warm and cozy is going to make a big difference in your sleep. A good sleeping bag will keep you comfortable and warm throughout the night. Like with most camping sleeping gear, the sleeping bags can be available in several varieties. Some of these are rated for temperature and can keep you warm even when the outdoors hit a very low temperature.
They are also divided by camping style. Sleeping bags for car camping often weigh more than sleeping bags for hiking or backpacking. Similarly, car camping sleeping bags are wider and can be unzipped to become something like a blanket.
Backpacking bags, on the other hand, aim to keep you snug. They’ll cover the user and wrap around them. There isn’t much wiggle room in these bags, but they do their job pretty well.
5. Keep Your Belongings Close To You
Keep your belongings reasonably close to you. Essentials like your mobile phone, electronics, and a flashlight should be within arm’s reach. This is simply a way to ensure you have peace of mind.
If you’re worried about your belongings and if they will be safe, you’re likely not going to get a good night’s sleep. It is natural to feel somewhat uncomfortable and anxious when sleeping in a new place. Don’t add to that mental luggage.
6. Follow Your Regular Routine As Much As Possible
Stick to your regular sleeping routine even when you’re in the great outdoors. Sure it can be exhilarating to enjoy the new environment and spend a long time by the fire. However, sleeping in a new place, and disturbing your circadian rhythm are not the best of combinations.
If you intend to stick to the routine, consider bringing an LED lantern and a book you can read in bed. Don’t use a mobile phone, laptop, or tablet before you go to bed. This one applies to all sleeping scenarios, including camping.
7. Dealing With Mosquitoes And Pests
Mosquitoes and pests really can be troublesome. If you are using a tent, make sure the no-see-um mesh is in good condition. There shouldn’t be any holes in the tent that become the pathway for mosquitoes. You can also carry other options like bug spray and mosquito netting.
It is also important that you don’t keep food in the tent. There should not be any food crumbs either. Insects will make a beeline for those things. And while insects may not be able to break through your tent, mice and other rodents likely will. Safely storing and disposing of food is necessary for a good camping experience.
8. Avoid Heavy Meals And Drink Some Tea
Good eating habits translate to good sleep. Avoid heavy meals late in the evening and instead choose some snacks if you feel hungry before going to bed. Your dinner should come a few hours earlier and not be overly heavy.
Also, skip anything with caffeine in it beyond the late afternoon. This includes coffee and tea. Instead, you may choose more soothing beverages like chamomile or lavender tea.
