8 Ways to Get a Better Night’s Sleep While Camping
We all love camping in our RVs, but let’s face it, getting a good night’s sleep can be a challenge sometimes. Whether it’s noisy neighbors, a stuffy cabin, or simply being away from home, it can be hard to get all the rest and relaxation we need. But fear not, if you have trouble sleeping at the campsite, we have some tips that might improve things. Here are a few ideas to try on your next outing.
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Upgrade Your Mattress
The mattresses that come in most RVs are usually unremarkable in every way. That is to say, they aren’t necessarily uncomfortable, but they’re generally not anything special either. Fortunately, upgrading your mattress is incredibly easy, and there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from plush and cushy to firm and supportive.
Swapping out your mattress for one that more closely mimics the feel of your bed back home can help make life at the campsite much better. You’ll not only get a better night’s sleep, you’ll also feel more refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning too. And if you’re sharing the bed in your RV with someone else, it will likely improve their sleep too.
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Use High-Quality Pillows and Linens
While upgrading your RV’s mattress can be a game changer when it comes to improving your sleep, don’t overlook the benefit of having good sheets, blankets, and pillows, too. Higher-quality linens are softer to the touch and breathe better, which helps regulate your body temperature in both warm and cool conditions. A soft blanket is always handy, and pillows that match the comfort level of the ones you have at home are also highly recommended.
You probably don’t skimp on the sheets and pillows you use on your regular bed, so why would you do so in your RV? Better still, if your home linens fit the mattress in your motorhome or travel trailer, just take them with you when you hit the road. Anything that makes your mobile bedroom feel like you’re staying in your own house will help you to sleep more soundly.
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Use a White Noise Machine
A white-noise machine is an electronic device designed to help you relax and block out other disruptive noises. These devices do that by producing sounds on unique wavelengths that dampen the noises that surround you. This has made these gadgets incredibly popular with people who have trouble falling—or staying—asleep, whether they’re in an RV or at home in their regular bed.
Most white-noise generators can create a variety of relaxing sounds, like rain falling, gentle winds blowing, or waves crashing on a beach. Those noises can be very soothing for many people, helping them relax and sleep better wherever they go. A portable model that you can take on the road with you when camping would be a great addition to any RV.
Find a Quieter Campsite
Noisy campsites are one of the biggest challenges to overcome when trying to get quality sleep while traveling in an RV. Boisterous neighbors staying up way too late or a steady flow of overnight traffic can be enough to keep you up for hours at a time, especially if you’re a light sleeper. Even if a campground has enforced quiet hours, it can still be somewhat challenging to get some quality shuteye.
Thankfully, there is an easy solution to this problem—moving to a quieter location. Provided there are open campsites available, most RV parks are willing to help guests find a more tranquil area that is more to their liking. And if you’re boondocking on public lands, you can always pack up your vehicle and drive down the road a bit in search of more peace and tranquility.
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Climate Control
Just like at home, it can be difficult to sleep comfortably if the temperature is too warm or too cool. Be sure to keep your RV’s air conditioner or furnace set to a comfortable temperature for sleeping, taking into account any comforters or blankets you are using. A fan can also help circulate the air, and if outside noises aren’t a concern, opening the windows is a great way to bring fresh air into the vehicle.
Keep Your RV Level
Trying to sleep in an RV parked on uneven ground can feel a bit unnerving at times. While the vehicle may be completely stable, even a slight lean to one side or the other can make it uncomfortable for some people to sleep. Of course, many RVs come with built-in leveling jacks, which help alleviate this issue. Those jacks allow you to roll into a campground, park your vehicle, and quickly use the jacks to level out the interior. That can go a long way toward making travelers feel safe and secure all night long.
And what if your RV doesn’t have leveling jacks? In that case, you’ll need to level it as best you can on your own. That can be as simple as examining the campsite to find the smoothest area to park or using other items to help support the vehicle. Bricks, pieces of wood, or similar items do work in a pinch, but having a set of RV leveling blocks is safer and more secure.
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Block External Light
Most RVs have numerous windows that allow plenty of natural light into the interior, creating a brighter and more welcoming space. But those same windows can be a liability in the early morning when you’re trying to get a bit of extra sleep. If you’re not the kind of person who enjoys getting up with the sunrise, pulling the blinds, curtains, or blackout shades can help keep your sleeping space darker and cooler. This allows you to sleep a little later and wake up when you’re ready rather than when the bright sunlight forces you out of bed.
Most RVs come with window shades or curtains, but if your vehicle lacks those features, you can always add them. You can even upgrade existing shades with new versions that block more exterior light and are more adjustable for use at other times of the day. Window blinds also provide additional privacy when sleeping or relaxing in your motorhome or travel trailer, which is always appreciated as well.
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Stay Active
Traveling in our RVs is meant to be fun and relaxing, but if you spend all day leisurely sitting around the campsite, you may not sleep as well at night. By staying active, you’ll burn off excess energy and get a little exercise too. Go for a hike or a bike ride, explore local attractions, wander a farmer’s market, visit friends and family, go to the gym, or partake in your other favorite activities. This will help tire out your body and allow you to get deeper, more restful sleep when you turn in for the night.
Hopefully, these tips and suggestions will help you to sleep better on your next camping trip. While staying in an RV isn’t quite the same as sleeping in your bed back home, it can still be very comfortable and restful, making your time on the road a rewarding and refreshing experience.
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