BETTER SLEEP OUTDOORS (10 Tips for Light Sleepers)

By ANNIE RITCHIE / March 30, 2023

I’m a light sleeper and much as I love camping, getting a solid night’s sleep can be a bit of a challenge sometimes.

Depending on where you camp, there might be people talking, laughing (or snoring!) nearby. Unfamiliar sounds can disturb you too. Most people assume that it’s always quiet in nature; that’s not true! The wilderness is full of noises throughout night. Whether it’s nocturnal animals, crickets singing, or creaking branches it can be difficult to find complete peace and quiet.

But don’t worry—this doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy camping!

In this post, we’ll share 10 tips for light sleepers to help you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for another day of adventure.

Choose Your Campsite Wisely

One of the most important factors in getting a good night’s sleep outdoors is choosing the right campsite.

• Look for a quiet spot:  Avoid camping near rivers, streams, or roads where noise levels can be high. Even the sound of a nearby generator or talking from neighboring campsites can be enough to disturb a light sleeper’s rest. If possible, scout out the campsite in advance to get a sense of the noise levels and choose a spot that is secluded and protected from the wind.

• Another consideration when choosing your campsite is the availability of shade. If you’re camping in a warm climate, direct sunlight can quickly turn your tent into a sauna, making it difficult to sleep. Look for a spot with natural shade, such as under a tree or a rock formation, or bring a portable shade canopy or tarp to create your own shade.

• And finally make sure that your campsite provides adequate darkness by avoiding bright lights from nearby sources such as streetlights or campground showers/bathrooms with bright lighting fixtures installed near them–these could also interfere with natural melatonin production which keeps us asleep throughout the evening hours until morning arrives again!

Taking the time to choose your campsite wisely can make a big difference in your sleep quality, so don’t rush the decision. Scout out the area, and take your time to find the perfect spot for a peaceful night’s sleep.

Set Up Camp for Maximum Comfort

Once you’ve chosen your campsite and brought the right gear, it’s time to set up camp for maximum comfort. Here are some tips for setting up your campsite:

• Clear the ground: Before setting up your tent, clear the ground of any rocks, sticks, or other debris that could poke through your sleeping pad or tent floor. Look for soft spots on the ground such as grassy areas or sandy patches near trees or rocks.

• Look for a flat surface: In addition to noise levels, the terrain and slope of the ground can also affect your sleeping comfort. Sleeping on a slope can be uncomfortable and cause you to slide down during the night.

• Use a footprint: A footprint is a protective barrier that goes under your tent and helps to prevent wear and tear on the tent floor. Use a footprint made for your tent or create one using a tarp or groundsheet.

• Consider the wind: If you’re camping in a windy area, set up your tent perpendicular to the wind to prevent it from flapping and making noise during the night. Be careful to secure tent with tent stakes to avoid flapping.

• Organize your gear: Keep your gear organized and within easy reach inside your tent. Consider using gear lofts or pockets to keep your gear off the ground and easily accessible.

• Create a comfortable sleeping area: Arrange your sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and pillow in a comfortable configuration. If you’re camping with a partner, consider using a double sleeping pad or linking two sleeping pads together.

• Consider using a hammock or cot for added comfort and elevation off the ground

• The best way to make sure you get a good night’s sleep is to set up your tent early in the day. This will give you time to test out different spots and find one that works well for your needs. Also, setting up early gives you time to make sure everything is properly secured and staked down before it gets dark. Plus, if something goes wrong while setting up, like a broken pole or ripped fabric, you’ll have plenty of time during daylight hours to figure out how to fix it!

Stay Warm and Dry

Staying warm and dry is key to getting a good night’s sleep outdoors. Here are some tips for staying comfortable and cozy:

• Choose the right tent: Make sure you choose a tent that’s appropriate for the weather conditions you’ll be camping in. Look for a tent with a rainfly to keep out moisture and consider a four-season tent if you’ll be camping in colder temperatures.

• Use a good quality sleeping bag: A good quality sleeping bag is essential for staying warm and comfortable during the night. Choose a sleeping bag that’s rated for the lowest temperature you expect to encounter, and consider investing in a sleeping pad or mattress for extra insulation, a moisture barrier and comfort.

• Dress in layers: Dressing in layers can help you regulate your body temperature and stay comfortable throughout the night.

• Consider a hot water bottle: A hot water bottle can help keep you warm throughout the night. Fill it with hot water before bed and place it at the bottom of your sleeping bag.

By staying warm and dry, you can ensure that you’re comfortable and well-rested during your camping trip.

Stay Cool and Bug Free

Keep your tent zipped up to prevent mosquitoes and bugs being attracted by the light, and entering the tent. You could also consider a insect repellent but remember to keep safety in mind. You don’t want to be breathing in nasty substances in the confined space of a tent.

Make sure that your tent has breathable walls which will help keep out bugs but still allow air flow so that condensation doesn’t build up inside during hot summer nights which could wake you up feeling too hot or uncomfortable! If you are planning a trip in the heat of summer you could always invest in a camping fan to keep yopu comfortable.

If you choose to hammock camp, apart from focusing on your temperature regulation, it is really important to bring along a hammock bug net to keep from being disturbed by mosquitoes all night.

Finally, choose a sleeping bag that is suitable for both temperature and comfort level; if possible, bring two different bags so you can switch up depending on how warm or cold it gets at night.

Create A Relaxing Atmosphere

Once everything else has been taken care of, creating a relaxing atmosphere inside your tent can help lull you off into dreamland much faster!

• Personalize your space: Add personal touches to your campsite to make it feel like home.

• Bring along some calming music or nature sounds on CD or MP3 player (or downloading them onto your phone)

• Hang up string lights or battery operated tea-lights or lanterns with low light settings (so they won’t attract bugs!)

• Bring along comfort items that remind you of home

• Bring a small rug to add a cozy feel to your sleeping area

• You could even consider investing in an aromatherapy diffuser with essential oils like lavender or chamomile which can help relax both body and mind. Be careful not to choose one that requires a candle or flame as this is a fire risk inside your tent.

Taking these steps will let you drift off peacefully into slumberland faster than ever before!

Bring the Right Gear

• Consider using earplugs. Investing in quality earplugs will go a long way in helping block out sound so that you can fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

• When I struggle to stay asleep at home I use a white noise machine to block out noise. When you are camping you can achieve this by using an app or even finding a video on YouTube to achieve the same effect.

• Bring a comfortable pillow and any other sleep aids you normally use at home like using a sleep mask to block out light.

• A comfortable sleeping bag and pad are also essential for getting quality rest while camping; if your body isn’t comfortable then it will be harder for your mind to relax enough to drift off into dreamland!

• A sleeping pad is great for providing insulation and cushioning on hard ground. Look for a pad with a high R-value for cold weather camping, and consider an air pad for extra comfort.

Establish a Bedtime Routine

Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine signals to your body that it’s time for sleep. Making sleep is a priority while camping is as important as it is at home. This means setting aside time each day specifically devoted to winding down before bedtime—no work allowed!

Here are some tips for creating a routine that works for you:

• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even when you’re camping. This can help regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythms and improve your sleep quality making it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

• Wind down before bed: Give yourself time to wind down before going to sleep. Whatever helps put your mind at ease before turning in for the night should become part of your nightly routine out in nature.

• Avoid screens: Exposure to blue light emitted by electronic devices’ screens can disrupt your body’s natural sleep rhythms. Try to avoid using your phone, tablet, or other electronic devices for at least an hour before bed. Consider reading a book or doing some relaxing stretches instead.

• Use relaxation techniques: If you’re feeling anxious or restless, try using relaxation techniques like deep breathing, stretching exercises or progressive muscle relaxation to calm your mind and body.

• Avoid using your sleeping area for non-sleep activities like eating or hanging out. Make sure your sleeping environment is comfortable and conducive to sleep.

By practicing good sleep hygiene, you can improve your sleep quality and feel more rested and refreshed during your camping trip.

Manage Your Food and Drink Intake

What you eat and drink can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Here are some tips for managing your food and drink intake:

• Avoid heavy meals: Eating a heavy meal before bed can make it harder to fall asleep and can lead to discomfort during the night. Stick to lighter, easily digestible meals in the evening.

• Stay hydrated: Dehydration can disrupt your sleep, so make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Consider carrying a water bottle with you on hikes or other activities to make it easy to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle in your tent to make it easy to stay hydrated throughout the night.

• Limit alcohol and caffeine: While it may be tempting to indulge in caffeine or alcohol while camping, alcohol and caffeine can disrupt sleep patterns especially if consumed too close before bedtime!  This will leave you feeling groggy in the morning. Instead, opt for herbal tea or other non-caffeinated beverages in the evening.

• Snack wisely: If you’re feeling hungry before bed, choose snacks that are high in protein and low in sugar. Nuts, seeds, and jerky are all good options.

• Plan for bathroom breaks: If you’re drinking a lot of water, make sure you plan for bathroom breaks during the night. Consider using a headlamp or flashlight to make it easier to navigate to the bathroom.

By managing your food and drink intake, you can ensure that you’re well-nourished and well-hydrated, without disrupting your sleep.

Don’t Overdo It

While it’s important to make the most of your camping trip, it’s also important not to overdo it. Take time to rest and relax during the day to prevent exhaustion and maximize sleep quality. Here are some tips for avoiding exhaustion and ensuring that you get the rest you need:

• Pace yourself: Take it easy and pace yourself throughout the day. Don’t try to do too much too quickly, and make sure to take regular breaks to rest and recharge.

• Listen to your body: Pay attention to your body and listen to its signals. If you’re feeling tired or run down, take a break and rest. If you’re feeling sore or achy, take some time to stretch or do some gentle exercises.

• Prioritize rest: Make sure to prioritize rest and relaxation during your camping trip. Take some time to read, listen to music, or just enjoy the natural surroundings. And make sure to get a good night’s sleep each night to ensure that you’re well-rested and ready for the next day’s adventures.

Store Food and Waste Carefully

Keeping food stored carefully at night when camping can help you sleep undisturbed in a few ways.

• It helps to prevent unwanted visitors, such as bears or raccoons, from raiding your food supplies and potentially damaging your camping gear or causing a disturbance in the middle of the night.

• It can also help to reduce the likelihood of insects being attracted to your campsite, which can be particularly important if you’re camping in an area with a high mosquito or fly population.

By taking the time to properly store your food, whether that means using bear canisters, hanging food bags from a tree, or storing it in your vehicle, you can rest easy knowing that your campsite is safe and secure, and enjoy a good night’s sleep in the great outdoors.

Conclusion

Now that we’ve gone over some tips for setting up the perfect tent routine for your next camping trip, all that remains is getting out there and putting these tips into use. With just a little bit of planning and preparation ahead of time getting a good night’s sleep while camping will be no problem at all! So pack your bags and hit the great outdoors – sweet dreams await!