Sleeping in a tent can be challenging, especially for families.
For many families, tent camping is a wonderful tradition that can help them have fun and bond in the great outdoors. There are numerous benefits to camping, as well as a variety of ways to camp as well.
Camping can help families develop skills, bond together, destress, and learn to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, for some families there can be a few problems after the sun goes down.
Sleeping in a tent while camping can be a mixed bag, and it is important to get good sleep while camping so you have enough energy for the next day of fun. Whether you are having trouble sleeping on campouts, or just want tips to improve your sleep, this post is for you.
We’ve compiled some great tips and tricks to help improve your sleep during campouts. These tricks can be used on their own or in tandem with one another to create a fantastic sleeping arrangement for your next tent camping trip.
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Pick The Right Location For Your Tent
The location of your tent is imperative to getting good sleep in a tent while out on a camping trip. You will want to find an area that is relatively flat and ensure that water will not run into your tent should it rain.
You should also be sure that there are no signs of insects or critters sleeping in your tent area, as that could create major problems later on. You will also want to police the area and remove any rocks, sticks, or other hard objects so that they do not ruin your tent or your sleep.
Additionally, it is best to find an area with some white noise nearby, such as a stream. This can help you sleep in the new and unfamiliar area, especially during your first night sleeping in a tent.
Invest In Quality Sleeping Gear
Quality sleeping gear, such as sleeping bags and sleeping pads, can really help to improve your tent sleeping experience while out camping. Investing in durable and comfortable gear is always a great idea, and an economical one at that, since quality gear will last much longer than cheap stuff.
I recommend looking for good deals on camping supplies when you can and stocking up when available. Just like you wouldn’t want a tattered old blanket or sheets, you don’t want an old and worn out sleeping bag. The same idea also applies to cots, hammocks, bed rolls, and pillows.
It is also a good idea to bring along sleeping clothes rather than trying to sleep in your normal everyday clothes. Changing into sleeping clothes provides comfort and helps you maintain hygiene while out camping.
Bring A Pillow
Not everyone thinks to bring a pillow with them while camping, and some are content to shove some dirty clothes into the sleeping bag case to use.
However, pillows are incredibly comfortable and help to improve your sleep experience. Whether you get on just for camping, or bring yours from your own bed, be sure to pack a pillow next time you head out into the great outdoors.
Prepare For Climate Changes Outside
Just like investing in quality sleeping gear, you should also invest in a quality tent for camping. Before you go camping, check for and patch any holes that you might find. Holes are great at letting water and bugs in which are likely to sour your sleep cycle.
Further, you should always use your cover if you suspect rain, and be sure to zip up windows and doors at night should it call for rain.
Regulate The Climate Inside Your Tent
The temperature and climate of your tent are major factors that can help or hinder how you rest when sleeping in a tent. There are many ways to help control the climate inside of your tent, from portable fans and heaters to dehumidifiers.
You can even bring along essential oils and other natural remedies that might help you relax and create a good atmosphere for sleeping in a tent.
Follow Your Normal Bedtime Routine When Sleeping In A Tent
Following the regular bedtime routine that you maintain at home can help signal to your body that it’s time to calm down and get some rest. This tip is especially helpful for kids.
Try to do all things you do before bed at home while camping, such as brushing teeth, taking medication, and anything else you do.
If kids are used to a bedtime story, be sure not to miss out on those as well! They can be super fun around a campfire.
It is also important to try and do them at about the same time, and even in the same order.
For all intents and purposes, try to recreate your normal bedtime routine as accurately as possible when sleeping in a tent.
Try To Keep Sounds To A Minimum
As previously suggested, you should try to find a place that provides a natural white noise to help you go to sleep. If you cannot, you can always bring along earplugs as well.
Further, you should try to have your family go to bed at around the same time, as to not have a lot of rowdiness going on while others try to sleep.
Establish A Camping Night Time Routine For Sleeping In A Tent
Your sleep routine is important and, as previously discussed, you should always try to replicate your standard night time routine if you plan on sleeping in a tent.
However, you should also create a camping oriented routine, so you can take care of all of your nighttime responsibilities before you try to rest.
Before you go to bed, food should be put away and locked up away from tents.
Further, the campfire should be properly taken care of as to prevent any fires from happening.
You should also try to organize and clean the campsite as much as possible in case anyone has to get up in the middle of the night.
It is much better to go to bed knowing that you have made sure that nothing bad can happen, which affords a great deal of peace of mind.
Camping is a fantastic activity for the whole family, but sometimes sleeping while camping can be difficult. There are a variety of factors that affect your sleep when sleeping in a tent, but rest assured that many can be controlled.
Whatever might be affecting your rest when sleeping in a tent, the tips on this list make it easier to get a great night’s sleep on your next camping trip.