Going on a road trip can be a lot of fun, especially if you’re on vacation. But sometimes it can be difficult to sleep well on the road, leaving you tired and grouchy the next day.
Here are a few tips you can use to sleep better wherever you are, whether you are sleeping in your vehicle or stopping off in motels along the way.
Find a Safe Spot
First of all, you won’t be able to sleep soundly if you are constantly worried about what’s going on outside, so find a safe place to park your vehicle.
That means a rest stop with security, where other vehicles are parked, and even where police officers patrol regularly. Find out in advance rather than just turning up somewhere, then get some shut-eye knowing that you are safe.
Use a Smart Alarm Clock
One of the best ways to lull yourself to sleep is to use a smart alarm clock. If you have a smartphone, download a good alarm clock app that provides some smart features to help you get to sleep.
Alarm Clock for Me is a popular one. It will play white noise or your favorite tunes on a timer so you can fall asleep listening to the sounds, and it will then wake you up in the morning with your chosen music.
You can even use the nightstand mode to turn it into a bedside clock so you don’t have to fumble around looking for the time if you wake up in the dark.
Pack Familiar Items
It is a lot easier to stick to your sleeping routine when you have items that you are familiar with. Being in a new environment can make sleep difficult to come by, but take your pillow from home along with some items from your bedroom.
Simply having them nearby can make your surroundings more familiar, and this can help you to get some proper sleep.
Use an Eye Mask
Passing cars can flash their headlights into your vehicle’s windows and wake you up. If this happens too much, you’re going to be tired in the morning, so use an eye mask to block out the bright lights.
Too much light will lower your melatonin, which is the hormone that makes you feel awake or sleepy. Visit http://www.onestopplumbers.com. Alternatively, use blinds on your windows to keep out even more of the light and create a dark environment to sleep properly.
Listen to the Noises Outside
Rather than becoming frustrated by all the noises outside, listen to them instead. They can help to create white noise, which can send you off to sleep easier. Cars passing by can actually be soothing, and it can take your mind off other thoughts that might keep you awake.
Sleep Better On the Road
These are a few of the techniques that you can use to sleep better on the road. Next time you go on a road trip, use some or all of them when it’s time to sleep, and you should find that you enjoy sleeping soundly wherever you are.
Matthew Connor enjoys seeing new places by road tripping. He has traveled across the States as well as driven across Europe and parts of Australia. He writes about his travels when he’s not deep in thought planning his next epic trip!