How to Sleep Better in a Tent: 10 Tips That Actually Work
Bad sleep is the number one reason people give up on camping. The good news: most of the problems — cold, lumpy ground, early light and noise — have simple fixes. Here are ten that make the biggest difference.
10 Tips for Better Sleep Outdoors
- Choose flat, slightly raised ground. Low spots collect cold air and water. Clear away stones and pine cones before you pitch.
- Sleep with your head uphill. Even a small slope is noticeable at night. If you can't avoid one, keep your head higher than your feet.
- Upgrade your pad before your bag. Insulation underneath you matters most. A thicker, insulated pad is the best comfort upgrade for most campers.
- Bring your real pillow. If you're car camping, there's no reason to suffer with a rolled-up jacket.
- Don't go to bed cold. Do a few minutes of light movement and have a warm drink before getting into your sleeping bag. Bags hold heat; they don't create it.
- Wear dry layers to sleep. Change out of the clothes you wore all day. Damp clothing pulls heat from your body.
- Block the morning light. Tents brighten early. An eye mask helps, and tents with darker or insulated inner layers help even more.
- Pack earplugs. Wind, rain, wildlife and neighboring campers are the most common sleep disruptors.
- Vent the tent. A cracked vent reduces condensation, so you don't wake up to damp walls and a wet sleeping bag.
- Keep a routine. Head to bed at a similar time to home, and keep a headlamp and water within reach so you don't have to search in the dark.
Kids often wake at first light. Separate sleeping compartments and darker inner tents can buy parents an extra hour of sleep.
When Gear Makes the Difference
Technique solves a lot, but some problems are built into the tent itself. Thin fabric can't stop sunrise from lighting up the interior at 5 a.m., and it does very little against noise or cold.
If you camp often and sleep badly every time, consider a tent with an insulated inner layer. It addresses temperature, light and sound at the same time, which is why comfort-focused campers increasingly choose them.
Crua Tent: Are Insulated Tents Worth It?
Insulated, dark and quiet: our look at a tent system built around better sleep.
Read our guide →FAQ
Why can't I sleep when camping?
The most common causes are cold from the ground, an uncomfortable surface, early light and unfamiliar noise. Each has a simple fix covered above.
What is the most important piece of gear for sleeping well?
For most people, the sleeping pad. It provides both comfort and insulation from the ground.
