7 Tips To Get A Good Night’s Sleep In a Caravan

Research suggests that over 60% of Brits are planning to holiday in the UK in 2021. With bookings for holiday cottages, campsites and caravan parks booming, many people are looking forward to exploring beauty spots and enjoying long-awaited reunions with friends and family.

If you’re counting down the days until your holiday, it’s natural to want to make the most of your time away. Sleep is essential. Nobody wants to deal with restlessness and sleepless nights on holiday. In this guide, we’ve compiled a list of top tips and tricks to help you sleep better in a caravan.

7 top tips for a great night’s sleep in a caravan

Good quality sleep sets you up for the day and ensures you are able to make the most of every moment of your holiday. If you’ve booked a holiday, or you’re visiting your caravan this summer, here are 7 steps to take for better sleep:

1. Choosing the right location

If you’re taking your caravan to a new site, it’s important to spend a bit of time searching for the best location. Try to find an even surface on flat ground and leave plenty of space between your caravan and your neighbour. If you want to escape it all and enjoy peace of quiet, it’s advisable to look for smaller sites that aren’t geared towards families or large groups. 

2. Investing in a comfortable, high-quality mattress

Your mattress plays an integral role when it comes to sleep quality and comfort. If you can’t get comfortable, or there are springs sticking out, you’ll find it hard to sleep. Consider replacing old mattresses and investing in a new, more comfortable bed. It’s also beneficial to make sure you have good quality pillows and bedding. 

3. Getting the temperature just right

Many of us experience extremes when the weather is unpredictable. One minute, it’s too hot, the next it’s cold, miserable and wet. The temperature of your bedroom or sleeping quarters can have a major impact on your ability to sleep. You can use blankets, throws and portable heaters to stay warm and fans to keep cool.

4. Adapting to a sleep routine

Many of us tend to let our routines slip while on holiday. While there’s nothing wrong with staying up later, it is beneficial to get into the habit of going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. This will enable your body clock to adjust.

Ideally, adults should get 6-8 hours of sleep per night. Try to relax and unwind in the evenings to prepare your body and mind for sleep. From reading and listening to music to watching TV or going for a leisurely sunset stroll, winding down can help reduce the risk of sleep troubles. 

5. Blocking out light and noise

Light streaming through the windows and noises from the road or other caravans can make it difficult to sleep.

It may not be possible to ensure that people around you are quiet or find a tranquil location, but there are steps you can take to create a healthier sleeping environment. Take earplugs with you, look for quiet spots on the site away from the hustle and bustle of communal facilities and invest in high-quality blackout blinds or curtains. If you’re hiring a caravan, you could take an eye mask with you on holiday. 

6. Avoiding caffeine in the evenings

Caffeine is a stimulant, which makes you feel more alert. If you find it hard to sleep, it’s a good idea to avoid caffeine after 5pm. If you enjoy a hot drink before bed, opt for decaffeinated versions. 

7. Enjoying an active lifestyle

Camping and caravan holidays offer the perfect opportunity to get out and about, explore new places and enjoy physical activity. Exercise lifts your mood, helps you to relax and reduces stress and it can also improve sleep quality.

Hiking, walking, running, kayaking, climbing, cycling, abseiling, caving, canoeing, surfing, sailing and rafting are popular pursuits you could try. 

Summary

Sleepless nights can make it difficult to enjoy your caravan holiday and make the most of your time off. If you have a trip planned, take these tips and tricks on board to ensure you sleep better in your caravan and enjoy every minute of your break. Simple steps can make all the difference.