Sleeping in the backseat of a car is rarely a comfortable experience, right? Nothing beats curling up in your bed for a good night of sleep but sometimes a car nap is the only option.
Whether you are too tired to drive and need a power nap or you are planning to camp out in your car on your next road trip, whatever the reason you will want to be as comfortable as possible while sleeping on the backseat. In this article, we share our top tips on how to sleep comfortably in the backseat of a car.
We all need sleep and sometimes a bed for the night just isn’t an option. In fact, some people choose to camp in their car instead of pitching a tent or finding a motel.
If you have ever wondered why anyone would sleep in the backseat of their car, here are some of the most common reasons:
Driving when you are tired can be extremely dangerous. If you are exhausted you run the risk of falling asleep at the wheel and putting your life and the lives of your passengers and other road users in danger.
It is always best to pull over somewhere safe and have a power nap, rather than struggling to keep your eyes open as you continue on your journey.
Finding suitable accommodation can take time and energy, but your car is right there and ready for you!
Even if you camp on the most basic pitch on the campsite, you will still need to part with your cash. Sleeping in your car won’t cost you a dollar (unless there are parking charges, that is).
Maybe it’s the gas tank being empty when there is nowhere to fill up or maybe bad weather has stopped you in your tracks. There are many emergency and unexpected situations that can mean a person’s only option is to sleep in their car.
It is not just drivers who choose to sleep in the backseats of cars, passengers do it all the time. We are sure that you will be able to recall a time you have fallen asleep in a car, you were most likely in an uncomfortable position and woke up with aches and pains that were not there before!
If you happen to be feeling sleepy while someone else is driving, the warmth and motion of the car can easily soothe you off to sleep. Falling asleep in a car may not be difficult, especially for passengers, but it is rarely comfortable.
Keep reading to discover our top tips on how you can sleep more comfortably in the backseat of a car.
It has been a long drive, you need to spend the night in your car but you don’t want to wake with a sore back and neck – what now? You will be pleased to hear that by following just a few simple steps you can create a comfortable, private and safe sleeping space in your car.
In certain places, sleeping in a parked car is prohibited and you may wake up to the cops tapping on your window or a parking ticket on the windshield.
If you are planning on sleeping in your car, find a parking lot that allows overnight parking (churches and superstores are good options) and make sure you are parked away from busy roads and the entrance/exit to the parking lot.
If you are planning to sleep in your car, do some research beforehand, there might be a rest stop nearby and it is important to know which neighborhoods are best avoided.
Drivers are also advised to avoid parking on a slope if they intend on sleeping in their vehicle. Whenever possible, find a flat spot to park your car and get a feel for the place before you go to sleep – Does the neighborhood feel safe?
Are there any people around who look like they may be a threat to you and your car?
If you don’t feel safe, drive to a different location. On hot days, remember to park your car in the shade. Hot cars can kill and you will be putting your health at risk if you fall asleep in your car on a scorching hot day without parking it under cover first.
It can be tempting to leave the climate control on while you sleep in your car. On hot days, the AC can keep you cool while you nap and during those cold nights, the car heaters can feel like your saviors. Unfortunately, you can not leave your car engine on while you are asleep in the car.
Leaving the AC on while the car is stationary can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. If there are any leaks in your AC system or exhaust, there is the possibility of toxic Carbon Monoxide leaking into the car.
Carbon Monoxide is odorless and if you are asleep, you will not wake up when you breathe in the poisonous gas and the impact can be fatal.
To avoid Carbon Monoxide poisoning, you should always turn the car engine off when the car is stationary and ensuring that the AC is not on when you are parked in a garage can greatly increase your risk.
Also, keeping the AC running while you are asleep can run your battery charge down and you may wake up to a car that isn’t going anywhere any time soon!
Cracking a window may seem like a bad idea, especially in winter. But you should open at least one window an inch or so.
If you have all the windows closed, condensation can build up in your car, and having water drip on you while you sleep is far from an ideal sleeping situation! A small crack in the window will aid ventilation and also prevent condensation.
Covering the windows with your clothes or blankets will give you privacy from people passing by your car. Creating a private space will help you to sleep more soundly and will also keep the early morning sun from shining brightly into the car and waking you up.
If you want a good night of sleep in the backseat of your car, you will need to create a cozy sleeping space. There are air mattresses and sleeping pads that are designed for use on the backseats of larger cars. If you have a small car, you can stretch out across the back seats or you can recline the seat if your car allows it.
Remember, you sleep with a pillow and blankets at home so you will need suitable bedding for sleeping in your car. It is not safe to leave the AC on while your car engine is off so you will need to be dressed appropriately to stay at a comfortable temperature without the car’s climate control being on.
Try not to sleep with your head propped up against the window or car door. Sleeping like this may cause strain on your neck and shoulders, try resting on your hand or a travel pillow instead.
You want to make sure you have all the supplies you need while sleeping in your car. Pack a wash bag so you can freshen up in a nearby restroom. It may also be useful to pack a flashlight if you need to go outside for any reason and extra clothes so you can layer up if you get too cold overnight.
Sleeping in your car can put you and your belongings in danger. Thieves may see you snoozing in your car as an opportunity to try and steal any valuables you have with you. Make sure that you lock the car and keep the keys out of sight.
You will also need to keep any of your valuables – phone, wallet, gadgets, and so on – stowed away somewhere safe. Keeping your valuables close to you but out of sight is the best thing to do.
Just like at home, it is hard to sleep in the backseat of a car if you are surrounded by distractions. To sleep easily in the backseat of your car, try blocking out the outside world.
You could wear an eye mask, put on noise-canceling headphones or listen to some relaxing music or an audiobook. If you are trying to nap in the car during the day, make sure you are parked facing away from the sun so the light doesn’t keep you awake.
In normal circumstances, you will not necessarily need to inform your friends of your location for the night. However, sleeping in a car does have some risks and it is beneficial to let a friend know where you are sleeping for the night, in case you get into any trouble.
A quick text or phone call to a loved one is all you need to do, just so they know your whereabouts if something happens to you or your car.
To sleep comfortably in a moving car you will need to recline your seat if possible and avoid resting your head on the car window. Instead, rest your head on your hand or use a travel pillow. You can roll up a piece of clothing to use as a pillow, you can place it between your head and the car window, which will reduce the vibrations and noise.
It is fine to sleep in a car. However, you must keep yourself safe by securing your car and belongings. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur if you sleep in your car so it is important to always turn the engine off and never fall asleep with the AC running.
In certain areas, sleeping in your car may be against local laws. Always check you are allowed to sleep in your car before you get comfortable and close your eyes for a nap.
It is a good idea to crack a window when sleeping in your car as this will help to improve ventilation. You will not suffocate if all of the car windows are closed but having a small gap in the window for fresh air to get in will improve the air quality while you sleep. Cracking the window will also stop condensation from building up in your car.
No, sleeping in a car is not warmer than sleeping in a tent. You can not leave your car heating on while you sleep so you can’t rely on climate control to keep you warm overnight. Tents however are designed for people to sleep in and are made from materials made to insulate the heat and keep campers warm.
In contrast, your car is designed to be driven, not to be used as a bedroom and the cold metal and aluminum will not keep the heat in while you sleep. If you plan to sleep in a car you will need to bring lots of blankets and clothes so you can layer up and stay warm.
There are many places you can park your car for the night so you can have asleep. Common overnight spots for drivers include rest stops, Walmart parking Lot, Welcome Centre parking lots, and quiet neighborhood streets. Remember to always check the overnight parking rules for the area and stay parked away from busy roads.
You should not sleep inside a garage, this is down to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Sleeping in your car in the garage is unsafe as your car will have released toxic carbon monoxide fumes into the garage and these can become trapped inside.
You should under no circumstances sleep inside your car in the garage with the car engine running. Carbon monoxide poisoning can happen quickly without warning and it can be fatal.
Sleeping in the backseat of your car may not sound comfortable but by following a few simple steps you can create a cozy sleeping space in your vehicle.
It is important to always make sure you are safe and secure while sleeping in your car. The backseat of your car is a very convenient spot for a nap and by following the tips in this article, there is no reason why it can’t be a comfortable place for a snooze too.
