Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? Studies have found that the average person in the UK is losing one hour of sleep per night. Over the course of a week, almost a full night’s sleep is being lost.
If you’re stuck in a sleeping pattern that leaves you feeling tired the next day; then it’s time to break that cycle. Just a weekend away camping can help reset your biological clock so you can start to get a better night’s sleep.
HOW DOES CAMPING IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP?
Your body works to a 24-hour cycle that foresees day and night to manage how your body clockworks. By sleeping under the stars and not being exposed to any light that is outside of the natural sunrise to sunset cycle; you can increase your sleeping time.
A study in America found that a group of campers that were only exposed to natural light managed to adjust their biological clock and fell asleep two hours earlier than usual.
HOW DO ELECTRICAL LIGHTS AT HOME AFFECT YOUR SLEEP?
In the comfort of your own home, you’re exposed to room lighting, TV’s and mobile phones which can throw your body clock out of sync. Most people need 8 hours of sleep per night. If you’re getting less than this it can alter your mood, alertness and physical strength.
WHERE CAN YOU CAMP TO TRY AND IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP?
Our campsite finder is the perfect tool to help you find the right location to setup camp and sleep in the great outdoors.
SLEEPING TIPS FOR CAMPERS
It’s important to setup camp the right way so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. To help you achieve this we recommend the following:
- Look for a smooth flat surface to setup your tent. Avoid slants, rocks or land where heavy rain could flow
- Ensure you’re protected from the cold ground by placing a blanket underneath your sleeping bag
- Avoid wearing too much clothing as this can slow down your sleeping bag’s ability to keep your body heat in
- Invest in a good pair of earplugs in case any of your fellow campers may snore or if you’re near a motorway
- Avoid drinking caffeine, nicotine and alcohol of an evening; as stimulants, they can increase your alertness at a time when you need to be winding down
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL HEALTH BENEFITS FOR CAMPERS?
It’s not just improved sleep that you can benefit from; you can also gain from:
- Building family relationships by getting everyone to join in on setting upon arrival, taking part in activities, talking and enjoying each other’s company
- Tackling new challenges like setting up a tent can have an energising effect on your brain
- Breathing in cleaner air away from the pollution of cities and towns
- Reduced stress by enjoying time outside at a slower pace away from your daily routine and the high demands of work
- Going walking, jogging or hiking as these are great forms of aerobic exercise that you could enjoy with family and friends. This could help you to improve your circulation and lower your blood pressure
- Getting out and enjoying the sunshine can boost the level of vitamin D in your body
Have you experienced improved sleep after spending a couple of night’s camping? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter.
