When you live in a home on wheels, it can sometimes be difficult to fall asleep. You’re not always in the same location, climate or elevation and it takes time for your body to adjust to these changes. Not to mention that certain campgrounds simply provide better sleeping conditions that others. However, no matter where you go, there are some things within your power to ensure you sleep better and a good night’s rest at any campground.
Tips On How To Sleep Better Every Night
Most of the sleeping tips we mention below are affordable and easy. So, stop tossing and turning in your RV every night and sleep more soundly than ever before. After all, getting enough sleep is an essential part of your health and it’s important to stay in tip-top shape while you’re on the road. Also, remember that you should never drive while tired. It’s just as dangerous as driving under the influence.
Bedding
Not all bedding is created equal! Ever heard of 100% Egyptian cotton? It’s true that bedding can get pricey, but it’s totally worth it for a good night sleep every night at the campground. Having a comfortable bed that you look forward to hitting the hay in is key to getting better sleep in your RV. Do a little research online to see what bedding sounds the dreamiest to you.
If you don’t want to invest in a new mattress, consider a mattress pad or topper that adds extra cushion. Make sure you sleep with a pillow that is comfortable to you, too. It’s possible that you and your partner won’t like the same type of pillow, so don’t settle! Find a pillow that works for you. It can make a world of difference every night.
Temperature
In addition to having warm bedding when it’s cold out and cooler options when it’s hot out, make sure you have proper ventilation and insulation in your RV. This is essential at night when your RV is closed and locked up while you’re sleeping. A hot RV will keep you up all night, so it’s worth leaving your AC on while you sleep. If you don’t have air conditioning in your RV, considering keeping a window open to allow for some air flow. However, it may be unsafe to leave windows open at night depending on where you’re parked.
If you don’t have AC and you also don’t want to crack a window, purchase an oscillating fan you can keep plugged in while you get your beauty rest. It may not cool the air in your RV, but it should still create a nice breeze.
Location
When you park your RV at a campground, it’s important to think about a few things when you’re trying to sleep better. First, you’ll want a site that is somewhat secluded or at least a good distance away from other campers. This will keep the noise from others to a minimum after hours. There’s nothing worse than loud neighbors laughing and singing around a campfire at 10 P.M. when you’re trying to go to sleep.
Secondly, make sure your RV is level. It’s difficult to stay asleep if your RV is rocking around every time someone rolls over or gets up to use the restroom. If the ground your parked on isn’t level, use levelers and stabilizers to level off your RV. Ensuring your RV doesn’t rock can make an especially huge difference for light sleepers.
Light & Sound
Speaking of light sleepers, it’s a smart idea to get yourself some earplugs and a sleeping mask to keep out both sound and light. Blocking out light is great for getting a better sleep and it also helps you fall asleep more quickly. If you’re boodocking or camping somewhere deep in the wilderness, you may think that light can’t get to you once the sun goes down. However, a full moon might just be brighter than you think. If it’s uncomfortable to sleep with a mask on, invest in some blackout curtains instead.
Blocking out sound is important so that you don’t get alarmed by any strange noises that turn out to be nothing to worry about. Also, if your partner is an early riser and you’re not, then earplugs can help prevent the sounds of them moving around in the RV from waking you up at the crack of dawn.
Mosquitoes & Critters
No one wants to wake up in the morning with a million bug bites. And it’ll be even harder to go to sleep later that night when you can’t stop itching. So, make sure you have screens on your RV door and windows. Every so often, check to make sure there aren’t holes in the screens either. Lavender, bug spray and citronella help to ward of unwanted bugs, too.
When it comes to outdoor creatures of the night, the simplest way to avoid them is by safely storing your food and properly disposing of your trash. Not only is this good campground etiquette, but it will keep away bears, raccoons, rats, etc. You’ll sleep better at night knowing you’re safe and sound.
Tea
If you’re feeling restless after a long day, sit back and enjoy some caffeine-free tea by the campfire. Choose a tea like chamomile or other herbal tea over hot chocolate and s’mores or any other overly sugary treats. In general, herbal teas help relax the mind and body and are proven to help you sleep better.
Drinking a warm beverage preps your body for bedtime. Tea heats you up while you drink it. Then, as you cool down, your brain recognizes it’s time for sleep in response to the temperature change.
Flashlight
Keeping a flashlight next to your bed is a smart idea just in case there are any unexpected occurrences in the middle of the night. You should always have a flashlight stored in your RV for emergencies anyways, so keep it close to your bed for the best peace of mind.
Sleeping Habits
Having a sleeping schedule is also imperative to getting a good night’s rest. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day allows your body to adjust to a regular sleeping pattern. Irregular sleep hours will disrupt the body’s internal clock and make it tougher to fall asleep when you want to.
Here are a few more tips to help you sleep better every night:
Avoid heavy meals late in the evening. If you must snack, try nuts or cherries. They have shown to promote sleep.- Avoid alcohol and caffeine before bed. Alcohol may initially make you drowsy, but it interrupts your sleeping cycle later in the night.
- Stay off your phone or laptop right before bed. The blue light from screens keeps your mind awake.
- Be active during the day. Exercise will tire you out so that you’re ready to knock out once the sun goes down.
Even if you follow all the tips above, it may take your body a couple nights to adjust to a new location. It’s normal to have a bit of trouble falling asleep or randomly wake up during the first few nights you’re in a new place. Also, keep in mind that everyone is different. It may take a few tries to figure out what helps you fall asleep and what doesn’t.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only and it does not represent contractual agreements. It should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional.