9 Tips for Getting Better Sleep in Your RV

9 Tips for Getting Better Sleep in Your RV
How to adjust your sleep routine while on the road.

By: GoLife Staff

Getting enough sleep doesn’t just affect your mood; it is also important for your health. However, sleeping well while traveling can be challenging because it takes more intention to stay on a routine. If you have struggled to sleep enough while RVing, you will be happy to know there are some simple strategies for improving how well you sleep that you can start implementing right away!

Watch this video from James and Stef of The Fit RV (who have been RVing for around 16 years!) for a full explanation of why getting good sleep while on the road is important and tips to improve your sleep while RVing:

Ways to Sleep Better in an RV

As mentioned in the video, here are the top ways to sleep better while RVing ...

1. Keep Your RV Level

If you are sleeping on a slope, your body is likely fighting not to roll, and it can contribute to poor sleep. Taking the time to level your RV is important for a good night’s sleep. Not only will you not be rolling into your partner or pet, but your body will also be able to relax more with a sleeping environment more similar to what you have at home. For example, if your bed is raised to help with reflux or other issues, you should also try to replicate this for the best results.

2. Sleep at an Ideal Temperature

If your RV is hooked up, keeping your RV at a comfortable, cool temperature is fairly simple. But if you are boondocking in warmer weather, it can get more complicated. Use fans and cooling sheets and take other measures to keep your RV as cool as possible so that you can be comfortable while sleeping. Studies show that mid-to-high 60s is ideal.

3. Pay Attention to Ventilation and Air Quality

Making sure there is air flow by cracking a window and/or using fans can provide you with fresh air and prevent carbon dioxide from concentrating right where you are sleeping and causing poorer sleep. 

4. Prevent Noises from Disturbing You

Use white noise, fans, or other tools to mask any noise that may wake you up. You can also use earplugs if you end up in a louder area. However, be sure to also read reviews when choosing where to overnight to make sure it is not known to be a loud area prone to sleep disturbances.

5. Associate Your Bed with Sleep

Making sure your body knows your bed is for sleep by creating a cozy space and avoiding using it as a place to work or eat is a popular tip for people who struggle to sleep well. However, this gets a little more complicated in an RV because sometimes the bed is meant for multiple uses. In the case of a Murphy bed, you may even need to transform your living or working area into a bedroom before going to sleep. 

Having some rituals, like changing the lighting or adding certain pillows, can help remind your body it is bedtime by priming it to associate your bed and that routine with sleep.

6. Tidy Up Before Bed

Removing clutter from your space before going to sleep can help you feel more relaxed and will contribute to a more positive morning as well!

7. Camp Where You Feel Safe

It is going to be very hard to sleep well if you do not feel safe. If your nervous system is constantly scanning for threats (consciously or unconsciously), you will likely have restless sleep. Taking the time to research and scope out where you will be sleeping in your RV ahead of time can help you feel more secure in your choice, or decide to pivot to a backup plan to be safer and sleep better! Read more safety tips here.

8. Manage Pet Disruptions

Creating a specific place for your pets to sleep in the RV, and training them to use it, is a great way to help you get a better night’s sleep so they are less likely to disturb you. Wearing out your dog and playing with (then feeding) your cat before bed can also be a great way to make sure they sleep for a long time before they start bothering you.

9. Create a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Having a specific time that you go to sleep every night and wake up in the morning is ideal; however, it is a challenge to stay on the same routine while traveling. By picking a wake time and keeping it consistent, you can train your body to start going to bed at a consistent time as well, since it will start adjusting to the new routine. 

Other good sleep habits include not drinking caffeine after noon, limiting screens before bed, exercising, and getting outside every day.

Bonus: Sleep on a High-Quality Mattress

This tip isn’t as easy to quickly implement, but a good mattress (and cozy, cooling sheets) makes a big difference. If you have a Winnebago-made WinnSleep Mattress in your RV, you are in luck because it is made with comfort and cooling in mind. Learn more here.

For more tips on making the best of your RV life and Winnebago, check out our other educational content on the GoLife Blog!