If you've ever had to travel far by car and hotels were expensive or you just wanted to save money, you've probably spent the night in your car. Knowing how to sleep comfortably in a car is not a waste of time, and it doesn't matter if you need it for a day or a whole year. By finding the right place and showing a little ingenuity, you'll be able to sleep soundly through the night.
Tip 1.
For the colder seasons, buy a sleeping bag (or even two). What you will need in the car will depend on the place, the weather and what temperatures you are used to. In sub-zero temperatures, two bags will come in handy (they will be put on top of each other), as well as a blanket and a hat for your head.
- An inexpensive sleeping bag will keep you warm at -29°C outside. You can sleep in it in the car, and if it gets cold, put on another layer of clothing.
- Take a pin with you so that the bag will not open up if it cannot be pulled tightly around your head. If you toss and turn in your sleep, the bag will open and you will freeze.
- A knit cap will be much warmer. You can pull it over your eyes, so you do not wake up from the light.
- A sleep mask also comes in handy. You can blindfold your eyes with a bandana or scarf, or pull a hat over them, otherwise there is a chance of waking up at dawn, because it is almost impossible to darken the whole car.
- If you don't have a sleeping bag, staple two blankets with pins or lie down to sleep under a pile of blankets. Read more here.
Tip 2.
If it's hot outside, let air into the car and keep insects out. You can drape a thin cloth or towel over the window. It is very important to consider the weather conditions. Heat can be worse than cold because you will wake up in the morning in sweat and with mosquito bites. Lower your window just a few inches.
- You can buy a net for your windows or a sunroof. Try using an old mosquito net for a window or buy a new one.
- Take precautions in the heat. Cars heat up quickly, and if you are traveling in a hot climate (such as the desert), it can be very dangerous. If you overheat, you may not be able to wake up in time to realize that your body is dehydrated or that you are in danger of heat stroke.
Tip 3.
Prepare everything you need. Think ahead, especially if you plan to sleep in the car for more than two nights. You'll have a hard time finding the things you need in the dark. The things you need most often include:
- water;
- a flashlight;
- a pillow (or something in its place), a blanket, or a sleeping bag;
- a cell phone (for emergencies, alarm clock, games);
- a book (reading will brighten up a sleepless night);
- Hand sanitizer or baby wipes. Treat your hands before you eat, after you go to the bathroom, and every time something feels dirty. Since you may not have constant access to water, disinfectants will keep you from getting an infection or starting to smell bad.
- If you're riding in the car with other people or with cargo, you'll probably have to sleep sitting up. A car seat is not good for this, but if there is no other option, put a car pillow under your head and neck. You will feel much better in the morning.
Tip 4.
Keep your car clean. It's nicer to sleep in and orderly and easier to find the things you need, especially at night. If there is plenty of space around, you will be much more comfortable. If the car is dirty and smelly, it will be harder to sleep.
You should keep only the essentials on hand: water, a flashlight, a backpack with one set of clothes (unless you are traveling for a long time), and a towel.
A clean car attracts less attention, especially if it's clean outside as well. The neater the car, the fewer questions people will have. A dirty car full of garbage and incomprehensible bags looks suspicious.
To avoid cluttering your car, put things away for the day. Unless absolutely necessary, don't spread a sleeping bag on the back seats or hang a towel on them. This makes the car look neater when viewed from the outside and won't draw extra attention. This is especially important if you don't want to advertise that you're sleeping in the car. If interested, read here what size is a 35.
Tip 5.
Consider buying a tarp. This is an inexpensive item that will protect you from prying eyes and sunlight, as well as provide ventilation.
- A car covered with a tarp can look suspicious. Most people don't use it, so it might suggest that someone is sleeping inside. This will be a problem for you in some places (discussed below).
Conclusion
Safety should be your top priority, so be sure to always lock all doors. A car awning will provide protection from the cold and prying eyes. However, if it's hot outside, don't use an awning without good ventilation. Also, never start the car when the car is covered, as you can get carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not use a respirator that protects you from the cold air. It is difficult to sleep in and is just a waste of money. Sleeping in sub-zero temperatures will be uncomfortable anyway, and you can wake up with a sore throat because of the heat source. You can find something in between fresh and warm air by making a tent out of a heavy blanket by your face.