We all know how much better we feel when we get adequate, restful sleep. Our energy is better, our attitude is more positive, and we are ready to take on the good and the bad of the day. That’s why getting a restful night’s sleep in your RV is so important. Here are a few ways you can improve your RV’s sleeping quarters.
1. Bedroom location. As with most things, start from the ground up, meaning when you choose your RV. Pay particular attention to the location of the master bedroom in the overall floor plan. If it’s near the front, then you’ll be closer to noise from the street. Evaluate the thickness of the walls as well as what’s on the other side of the wall if you’re sharing a wall (i.e., a TV or the bathroom).
2. Choose a quiet site. Choose a campsite that isn’t near a public area, such as a restroom, shower house, or playground. Look for one with some privacy if possible. Consider choosing a site toward the back of the campground, park, or resort to avoid all the incoming and outgoing traffic. And if you can camp during the week instead of the weekend, the quieter it’ll be and the more likely you’ll be able to choose the site you want.
3. Block the light. Our brains are wired to be awake when the sun is out, and even artificial light can cause us to wake up. Make sure windows are snugly blocked. Curtains usually aren’t enough so you may need to invest in blinds. Don’t even get us started on phones and tablets, which throw off blue light. This stimulates our melatonin production and wakes us up, even in the middle of the night. Put your phone in another room or at least off your nightstand. Use an alarm clock instead.
4. Be level. Have you ever tried to sleep on an angle? Your body never truly relaxes because it’s always ready to catch itself should it fall off. Make sure your RV is level and stable, both to minimize movement as well as to give you an even sleeping surface.
5. Temperature control. Depending on your RV, you may or may not have air conditioning and furnace options. Regardless, running these units continuously can have a big impact on your gas and electric usage. Find alternative ways to keep your RV at as optimal temperature as possible. For instance, keep the blinds closed during a sunny day in the summer, use fans for ventilation, and choose seasonally appropriate, breathable bedding.