5 Tips for Sleeping in the Car

When you’re on the road, catching some sleep can be difficult. If you’re traveling solo and your roomie works a night shift, or you’ve got a dead battery or an irate roommate, sometimes the only option is to sleep in the car. If this happens to you, here are some tips that can help you stay comfortable and safe as you catch some Zzzs.

1. Find a Good Place to Park

The first step in sleeping in your car is finding the right spot. It’s important to make sure that you aren’t violating any laws or putting yourself in danger. This means checking local laws and looking for private property signs. If you can, avoid a parking lot in a city as they are usually heavily patrolled and can lead to a ticket or even getting your car towed. If you must park in a city, try to find a street that is less busy and out of the way for local residents. Also, be sure to check the temperature as on hot days you could die from heat stroke if your vehicle is too warm.

2. Make the Car Feel Homely

It’s important to do your best to make the space feel as comfy as possible. One way to do this is by bringing a pillow, blanket or sleeping bag, and possibly some clothing for warmth (depending on the season). You can also try to block out any lights from outside of your car with sun shades or towels to create privacy.

Another way to make the experience more 車中泊 pleasant is by trying to keep noise to a minimum and by avoiding the radio as much as possible. This will allow you to sleep without waking up to commercials or annoying songs. Lastly, try to sleep with your head slightly elevated as this will promote blood flow and healthy breathing while you’re sleeping.

3. Ventilation

Make sure that your windows are closed, but cracking a window or sunroof can provide ventilation and let you feel a little more at ease. This will also prevent you from waking up to people staring in at you.

4. Don’t Recline

Never recline your seat while the vehicle is moving. Not only is this dangerous, but it will prevent your airbags and seatbelt from working properly in the event of an accident. If you’re unable to avoid reclining, be sure to use a travel pillow to support your neck and back.

5. Use a Sleep Supplement

If you’re having trouble falling asleep, you can always use a sleep supplement like melatonin to help you fall asleep faster. Just be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medications.

If you’re a chronic car sleeper, it’s wise to consider investing in a car tent that can be easily set up and taken down when you need some rest. They’re available online and at many outdoor stores. Just remember that they aren’t foolproof and you should still take precautions to protect yourself against the elements and potential law enforcement.