There’s nothing quite like a family camping trip, until nobody in the tent can sleep. As more of us are heading outdoors this summer, sleep therapist Sam Sadighi of Get Laid Beds and founder of Easy Sleep Solutions has identified the seven most common sleep mistakes families make and how to fix them.
1. Assuming tired kids will sleep anywhere
A busy day outdoors doesn’t guarantee an easy bedtime. Excitement and unfamiliar surroundings can keep children more alert than expected. Sticking to their usual bedtime routine, a familiar story, teddy or pyjamas, helps signal it’s time to settle.
2. Pitching the tent in the wrong spot
Sam explains: “Pitching near toilets, communal areas, footpaths or other busy camping spots can expose you to people walking past throughout the night.” Choose somewhere flat, dry and away from foot traffic, and consider where the morning sun will hit too.
3. Over-inflating the air bed
A firmer air bed can create pressure points and offer less insulation from the cold ground. A little give makes for a more comfortable night and an insulated sleeping mat underneath matters more than firmness alone.
4. Forgetting the ground steals body heat
The ground draws heat away from the body quickly, so insulation underneath is just as important as a warm sleeping bag on top.
5. Eating a big meal right before bed
A large or sugary meal too close to bedtime can leave children feeling uncomfortable and overly energetic. Aim for a filling meal a couple of hours before bed, with a light snack later if needed.
6. Ignoring the early morning light
Tents let in far more light than bedrooms, waking children earlier than you’d like. Eye masks, blackout layers and positioning sleeping bags away from the entrance can help delay the wake-up call.
7. Trying to make the tent completely silent
An unfamiliar environment can make children more alert, so total silence isn’t always the answer. Familiar background noise, like a white-noise track used at home, can help some children settle.
Sleep therapist’s camping checklist
- Pack something familiar, like a favourite teddy, blanket or bedtime book.
- Stick to the usual routine of washing, pyjamas, story and lights out.
- Insulate underneath with a sleeping mat rather than relying on the air bed alone.
- Ventilate the tent to avoid stuffiness and reduce condensation.
- Keep tomorrow’s clothes nearby to avoid rummaging through cold bags.
- Make one final toilet trip before settling down for the night.
- Pack earplugs for adults, useful for snoring neighbours and early risers.
A little planning before lights out can be the difference between a restless night and a proper night’s sleep under canvas.
Image credits: Pixabay
