Falling into bed after a long day on the road or venturing out is one of the happiest times for many RVers. For others, sleeping in the RV means spinning around and waking up groggy for a day of activities and that’s not good for anyone.
Like sleeping at home, there are many ways that your activities and your surroundings can have an impact on getting a good night’s rest. To help you sleep better on the road, we’ve come up with 11 ways to sleep better in an RV.
11 ways to sleep better on the go
Upgrade your RV mattress
VR mattresses are notoriously thin, stiff, and generally uncomfortable. RV manufacturers have improved over the years, but many RV beds and mattresses are still not up to the task of getting a good night’s sleep. If you’ve cursed your RV bed before, it’s time to upgrade. Try a local camping store or big box like Camping World to find a mattress that suits your needs and the RV.
Choose a quiet place
This one isn’t always easy, but if you can choose a site, choose a quiet one. Campgrounds can get crowded, and while you may want to sleep in, your neighbors may want to party until late in the morning. If you have the opportunity, choose a site that is away from the bulk of the action.
Consider blackout curtains or sleep masks
Sunlight plays an important role in our sleep / wake cycle. Some people find it impossible to sleep even when a small fraction of sunlight filters through the windows. For those who have this problem, you can try a sleep mask or blackout curtains. These can also filter excess light from the campground to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Avoid screens entirely
Computers, televisions, and cell phones emit blue light. Blue light makes your brain think that it is still daylight and that you must be awake. Experts recommend turning off all screens at least an hour before bed to help your brain turn off during the day.
Keep the same sleep schedule
What is true at home is also true on the road. Maintaining the same sleep schedule finely adjusts your body’s internal clock for a healthy sleep-wake cycle. It can be hard not to sleep on certain days, but you’ll be grateful each time you easily fall asleep at night.
Update your sheets or pillows
You may have a great mattress, but it won’t matter much if you have lumpy pillows and striped sheets. Many people use old or worn sheets from their home, but you don’t have to live like this! Enjoy some new pillows and sheets along with your nice mattress for a comfortable rest.
Pro Tip: Make sure to wash your pillows before every RV trip to keep them fresh if they are washable. This will also help to regain its original shape.
Stabilize
It’s hard to fall asleep if your trailer or motorhome rocks every time someone gets up to go to the bathroom. Using the levelers and stabilizers on your deck will also help you fall asleep by giving you a level surface to catch a few Zs.
Consider an ambient noise machine or earplugs
Campgrounds can be quite noisy even during quiet hours. If excess noise keeps you awake overnight, consider investing in some good earplugs, or even better, an ambient noise machine that can mask sounds from the outside world.
Pro Tip: Consider melatonin or other sleep supplements, which will help you sleep along with a sleep mask, earplugs, and other aids.
Don’t drink alcohol right before bed
It’s certainly nice to have a cold one around the campfire, and most people swear by a late-night drink, but alcohol can disrupt your natural internal rhythm, causing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. Try to avoid alcohol just before bed to promote more natural sleep.
Keep things fresh
A hot RV will keep you awake all night. Lower the temperature at night to help calm your body into a restful sleep. This could be a good reason to finally fix that AC unit that’s been giving you trouble. If you are traveling in a motorhome without air conditioning, consider opening the windows, keeping the air flowing through the deck, and dressing lightly to keep cool.
Keep pets out of bed
You and Fido don’t belong together in the same bed. While this can be one of the most difficult tasks for some pet owners, both you and your pet will be able to sleep better if they sleep in separate areas.
Following these tips is a sure way to promote a healthy and restful night’s sleep. So lean on and do it right so you can have plenty of energy for the next day’s adventures.
