Close your eyes and picture the last time you came home after camping or going for a really good, long hike. You probably felt calm and exhilarated at the same time after connecting with nature, unplugging, and getting away from your daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It turns out nature just might be the very best tonic for sleep too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While we frequently talk about optimizing your bedroom for sleep<\/a>, sleeping outside can actually do you a world of good. Below, we\u2019re highlighting the scientifically proven benefits of sleeping outside and sharing ways to make the most of your time outdoors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the top benefits of sleeping in the open air\u2014some of them may surprise you! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Circadian rhythm<\/a>, or the 24-hour cycle that serves as your body\u2019s internal clock, is dictated by how much sunlight your body receives each day. As the day turns to night and the sun goes down, your body naturally produces melatonin<\/a> as a response, which encourages you to sleep. If you spend time in the sunlight during the day, you\u2019re helping aid the natural rhythm of your clock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One 2017 study finds that spending time indoors in electric light<\/a> instead of getting out into sunlight could disrupt your body\u2019s circadian rhythm. This was further confirmed through participants spending a week camping<\/a>\u2014circadian rhythms naturally improved after the individuals slept outdoors for seven days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s easy to feel stressed when you\u2019re sitting in an office cubicle, jam-packed with deadlines and meetings throughout the day. But when you\u2019re in a sleeping bag staring up at the stars, you likely won’t have those same anxious feelings\u2014and there\u2019s a scientific reason why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research from 2019 says that stress biomarkers<\/a>, which include certain chemicals in the body, showed a reduction after participants spent time in nature. For instance, cortisol, a steroid hormone that kicks in feelings of fight or flight, dropped 23 percent among participants who had meaningful experiences in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stress reduction can be accomplished through forest bathing<\/a>\u2014or, to really amp up the good feelings\u2014a night or two of outdoor sleeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Spending time in nature, whether it\u2019s overnight or on a hike, can greatly improve happiness levels. One 2019 study reveals that through thoughtful urban planning, more natural areas can be included in bustling cities, something that can increase the happiness of city dwellers<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even if you don\u2019t live in the city, you certainly can benefit from sleeping outdoors and the happy feelings this experience in nature will promote.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A hearty dose of the outdoors can improve your cognitive function. According to a 2019 study, there\u2019s a great deal of evidence to support a connection between brain health and getting outdoors<\/a>. Per the study, \u201cExposure to natural environments has been shown to improve performance on working memory, cognitive flexibility, and attentional-control tasks.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you want to become a Wordle champ<\/a> or think more clearly while working, it might be time to get out the hiking boots and sleeping bag and head to the woods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a result of the pandemic, a lot of us are thinking about our immune systems<\/a> more than ever before. The good news is that spending time in the great outdoors can actually make your immune system stronger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As one 2008 study finds, sunlight\u2014which seems to aid in a wide variety of health woes\u2014can help your body ward off sickness<\/a>. Receiving that extra vitamin D can improve your immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may be wondering, \u201cDoes fresh air make you sleep better?\u201d In a word, yes. All of these components\u2014a reset circadian rhythm, reduced stress, boosted happiness, improved cognitive function, and a strong immune system\u2014all contribute to a better state of wellbeing, which translates to better sleep. And these are things you can harness by getting outside, and specifically, sleeping out in nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some simple tips to help you make the most of your time sleeping outside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To get the full effects of a nature-induced slumber, you\u2019ll want to feel as comfortable as possible. If you\u2019re sleeping on the ground (something referred to as earthing<\/a>\u2014or making direct contact with the earth\u2014which can also boost sleep quality, health, and wellbeing), choose the best possible sleeping bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Talk to someone at an outdoor supply store to get matched with a sleeping bag that fits your height and preferred softness level. Don\u2019t forget alatex pillow<\/span> too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, when it comes to must-haves, you can always consider bringing along a tent\u2014you\u2019ll still enjoy those benefits from spending time in nature. If you\u2019d prefer to nap in the sun, grab a hammock\u2014and a bottle of SPF, of course. (Here’s how a bad sunburn can affect your sleep<\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n When sleeping outdoors, everything may feel a bit unfamiliar when compared to your very dark, very quiet bedroom. You might be dealing with noise and light when sleeping outside, so we recommend you wear earplugs<\/a> and an eye mask<\/a> to bed to block out any potential disturbances in your environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it might be tempting to stay up all night outside (campfire! s\u2019mores! good conversation!), it really is best to stick to your regular bedtime routine just like you would at home. This means not eating too close to bedtime, avoiding looking at your phone before bed, and doing any nightly rituals like meditation.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIs sleeping outside good for you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Resets your circadian rhythm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Calms your stress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Boosts your happiness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Improves your cognitive function<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Strengthens your immune system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to reap the benefits of sleeping outside<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Choose the right sleep surface<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Block out noise and light<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stick to your regular nighttime routine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n