How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep While Camping

Camping is a lot of fun, but without the comforts of home, it can be challenging to get a decent night’s sleep. Try using these tips to help you sleep well when you’re camping.

Choose Good Bedding
A sleeping bag will help keep you warm, but sleeping on the ground isn’t very comfortable. Fortunately, there are many cushioning products available for purchase. Foam pads, air mattresses, and cots will all provide you with some comfort while you’re camping. If you have room to pack a foam mattress topper, this will provide additional comfort. You can learn about the advantages and disadvantages of different types of sleeping pads by watching the video below. Camping pillows, pillows that are stronger and thicker than traditional bedroom pillows, will help you get a good night’s sleep as well.

Stay Warm

a camp fireYou might be surprised at how cold it can get after the sun sets. REI recommends sleeping in long underwear and socks to stay warm at night. Additionally, be sure that your sleeping bag is temperature appropriate. When you are selecting a sleeping bag, look at the bag’s temperature rating to determine if the bag is appropriate for your needs. If a sleeping bag has a temperature rating of 20-degrees, it means that an average person will be comfortable in it if the temperature outside is 20-degrees or higher.

If rain is predicted while you’re camping, put a tarp over your tent to help keep the water out. You can either put the tarp directly over your tent or tie it up overhead like a roof.

Keep Your Schedule

Backpacker suggests following your normal bedtime schedule. If you typically go to bed at 10PM, then snuggle down into your sleeping bag at 10PM when you’re camping. Bring card or board games and a book to help you pass the time between sundown and bedtime. Use a battery-powered lantern or flashlight for a light source after sundown.

In addition, it’s best to follow your regular bedtime routine as much as possible while you’re camping. If you usually brush your teeth and read a book right before going to sleep, plan on doing the same when you’re camping as well.

Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption while you’re camping. Caffeine and alcohol disrupt transitions between sleep phases, which results in poor-quality sleep. It’s also a good idea to avoid napping during the day. If you must take a mid-day nap, try to limit it to 15 or 20 minutes.

Manage Noise

If nature sounds bother you, you may need to wear ear plugs or create some white noise to get to sleep. If you have a smart phone, there are white noise apps you can use to help you fall asleep.

Keep Visitors Away

tents by a lakeDon’t keep any food or scented toiletries inside your tent. Cook at least 100 feet away from your tent, and dispose of all food packaging. If you spill any food, clean it up before you sleep. Keep any leftovers in sealed containers. Different parks have different rules regarding food storage. Learn what the rules are for your campsite, and follow them. REI recommends that if you are camping where bears are active, don’t sleep in clothes that may have food odors on them.

Sleeping while camping can certainly be challenging. However, by using these tips, you’ll be able to sleep well and enjoy your camping adventure.

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