As any off-road enthusiast will tell you, the thrill of adventure is about exploring the wild, tackling rugged terrain and embracing the freedom that comes with setting up camp wherever the trail ends. After a long day behind the wheel however, recharging for the next day’s journey is essential.
Struggling to sleep while away from home is no new thing, with the mere location of your temporary sleeping quarters affecting how the brain works during those crucial twilight hours as Sound Sleep Health details:
“The findings suggest that our brains maintain an underlying default alertness, a kind of night watch through ‘asymmetric sleep’ during our first night in an unfamiliar place. Researchers theorise that this is reminiscent of a leftover evolutionary survival mechanism put in place to keep us vigilant in the presence of potential predators and other threats. Sleeping with only half of the brain has also been demonstrated in rats, dolphins, seals, and some birds.”
Sleeping when not just away from home but off the beaten track adds yet more factors that keep the brain in a constant state of alertness to prevent you from getting a decent kip. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or new to the overlanding scene, the following tips are sure to help you sleep soundly when travelling off-road…
Invest in a rooftop tent
Give yourself a fighting chance of getting a great night’s sleep by investing in one of these top roof tents. A roof tent is one of the best ways to upgrade your off-road sleep experience, with designs mounting securely on top of your 4×4 to keep you well clear of moisture, uneven terrain and any pesky critters.
Rooftop tents are quick and easy to set up too, folding out in just a few minutes to provide a stable, flat sleeping area for you to really get comfortable in. Many models come with built-in mattresses that are surprisingly high quality, meaning there’s no need to dedicate yet more space to carrying off-road supplies you don’t require like bulky sleeping pads.
Add more layers of comfort
Whether sleeping up top in your newly purchased roof tent or on the ground the traditional way, investing in the right sleeping gear is essential.
Choose a sleeping bag that’s well suited to the climate you’re exploring. A down or synthetic sleeping bag rated for lower temperatures is a great investment that’ll keep you warm right about now or when exploring cooler climates like these Scandinavian overlanding hotspots. Don’t forget to pack a pillow (or use an inflatable one) to enhance your comfort further.
Be picky when pitching
Finding the perfect campsite can make all the difference in how well you sleep. Look for a level and stable area where you can park up if using a rooftop tent. Avoid spots at the foot of hills, where rainwater might pool or roll down, or areas where loose rocks or branches are positioned overhead.
If you’re setting up camp on sand or loose gravel, use traction boards to stop your vehicle from shifting overnight. A secure setup will make sure your sleep isn’t disturbed by any unwanted surprises.
Keep light, temperature and noise under control
Unfamiliar sounds and bright light can easily interrupt sleep, whether you’re at home, in a plush hotel or pitching up at the side of the road. But, it’s nothing a good pair of ear plugs and an eye mask can’t solve!
Temperature and moisture can affect sleep quantity and quality too. The ideal temperature for sleep is between 15.5 and 21°C, so keep this in mind when adding or subtracting additional layers. Consider ventilation also; rooftop tents are known and loved for their breathability with windows or mesh panels allowing good airflow, reducing condensation build up inside, and paving the way for better sleep.
