What Are the 5 Tips for Getting a Better Sleep at a Campground?
Nature lovers love camping more than anyone else. It's a completely immersive experience, devoid of phone calls, social media, and 24-hour news. It's just you and nature, with the soothing chirp of crickets taking the place of your smartphone's nervous buzzing.
But there's an odd irony in all of this unwinding: it can be tough to sleep!
If you think about it for a second, this isn't surprising. After all, you're used to sleeping in a warm bed, most likely on a mattress that you've chosen for its comfort. You're in a bug-free, climate-controlled environment where you're just used to sleeping on your own bed.
We've compiled a list of useful hints to help you get the most rest possible on your next adventure. Let's get this celebration going!
1. Use an Air Mattress or a Cot
Sleeping mats have been used by anyone who has attended a scouting camp. That's OK if you're backpacking in the backcountry and want to carry as little weight as possible. Even the best sleeping pad will not give you enough cushion to protect you from the inevitable tree root. When determining where to pitch your tent, it's the unseen root that you don't notice.
A good air mattress can keep your back safe from any type of root or rock. Many air mattresses are even self-inflating, which means you merely open the valve and let it do its job, depending on your budget.
A cot is a more comfortable option if you don't need to hike at all. Cots raise you above the ground, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. They also make your tent appear larger because you can store luggage or supplies beneath the cot. The Coleman Comfort Smart Cot weighs only 21 pounds and comes with a comfy foam mattress. It's perfect for car camping.
2. Keep Mosquitoes Away
A mosquito is one of the few things that can ruin a good night's sleep. You begin to nod off and hear that high-pitched buzzing. You know it'll bite sooner or later. Anxiety can interrupt a good night's sleep and will not help you sleep better while camping.
A tightly woven tent and a can of mosquito repellent are two sure ways to keep the bloodsuckers at bay.
Of course, if you leave your tent open, even the most secure tent in the world won't assist you. Keep your flap zippered when you're not going in and out. If you require a breeze, invest in an excellent vented tent with mesh panels that allow for ample airflow.
Before retiring for the night, it's a good idea to properly spray oneself with bug spray. Take extra care of your arms, neck, and the area behind your ears. These are the areas that are most vulnerable to pest bites. For the past few years, picaridin has been our go-to bug spray. Sawyer Picaridin Lotion performs similarly to DEET and does not stink or melt certain plastics like DEET.
3. Wear Light Clothes
It's easy to overdress for sleep, especially in the winter. After all, you want to feel comfortable and toasty during the night.
Heavy clothing, on the other hand, can be detrimental. They'll cause you to gradually warm up over the night, and you'll wake up uncomfortable and drenched in perspiration in the wee hours. Additionally, heavier clothing may be restrictive and bunch up on you as you twist and turn.
To get a good night's sleep, dress in loose, light, and breathable clothing. You'll sleep better and feel more refreshed in the morning.
4. Utilize a Camping Pillow
You wouldn't sleep without a pillow at home. Why would you not carry one when you went camping? A nice camping cushion provides a lot of relief for your head and can help prevent neck cramps by cradling your head in place.
Pillows are typically not a suitable trekking accessory. They increase the size of your backpack and make packing more challenging. That being said, there's no reason for your head to be lying on the ground. Many sleeping bags come with built-in pillows that can be rolled up and stored in a compression pack. Consider the Therm-a-rest Compressible Travel Pillow if you're not going too far.
5. Go to Bed at Your Regular Bedtime
You go to the woods to relax, relax, and forget about everyday life. And, as we all know, time flies when you're having fun. Our bodies, unfortunately, do not always agree. They want to be able to follow a pattern and know when it is time to sleep.
If you stay up too late, you may experience a second wind. If this occurs, you will be unable to sleep for the next few hours. To get a good night's sleep, go to bed at your usual time. At the campsite, you'll fall asleep sooner and sleep better than ever before.