Sometimes you want to sleep on the ground.Sometimes it is necessary to sleep on the ground.If there aren't enough beds or you forget your sleeping bag, sleeping on the ground can be pretty uncomfortable.There are ways to make sleeping on the ground easier.
Step 1: Research camping gear.
If you want to sleep more comfortably, look into pads, mattresses, cots or hammocks.These items can provide some protection from insects.You can check out camping gear at your local sporting goods store.Before you make a selection, talk to the store employee about your options and what items have been rated highly.Retailers that sell sleeping gear can be found online.There is a lot of information on which camping gear is the best for your situation and which brands are worth the price.
Step 2: There is a sleeping bag.
Sleeping bags can be useful when you need to sleep on the ground.Purchase a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperature range you will be sleeping in.If you will be in a very cold location, you should consider a sleeping bag that is meant for backpacking instead of a camping bag.A sleeping bag that can fit 2 people is ideal for camping with another person.You can either use 2 sleeping bags for yourself or 2 people.Put your sleeping bag down.If you want, you can put a sheet over it and use the other sleeping bag as a blanket.If you will be using it for several nights, a sleeping bag liner can help keep it clean.If it rains or snows, you'll need to sleep in your sleeping bag inside a tent or other makeshift cover for protection.
Step 3: Consider sleeping on a mat.
A light, thin mat can help with back pain, snoring, and maintaining a proper sleeping position.Sleeping curled on your side can shorten your hip flexors, which can cause back pain.
Step 4: A foam pad can be purchased.
A good insulation value and low weight make foam a great material to use.If you will be sleeping on very cold, frozen or snowy ground as well as rough ground, foam pads are very useful.It is an inexpensive option but bulky and may not provide enough cushion for some people.Good insulation can be provided by a compressed foam mattress covered in waterproof nylon.Once the twist valve is opened, the foam expands.You can blow into the valve to get more cushion.If you are backpacking, consider a thick pad so that it is lighter to carry and takes up less room.If you prefer, a thicker pad can be purchased.There might be fitted sheets for some pads.If you get a sore back lying flat on the ground on thin foam, you can use a jacket that is folded in half and rolled into a cylinder underneath your pad for the small of your back.
Step 5: Cut the foam pad.
Cut your thin pad to torso length if you want an extra lightweight material.Lay down to determine which parts need insulation.Cut down your pad to fit your back, it's usually just your heels.You can use a hat, backpack, or other material under your feet for insulation.
Step 6: Take a look at an air pad.
Air can be used as the cushion in these sleeping pads.They can be very light, but you have to blow them up to fill them.They don't offer a lot of insulation and are often a little heavier.If you don't want to spend the time and energy blowing air into your mattress, you can usually get an air foot pump or electric pump.Depending on the brand you get, air mattresses can be heavy and bulky.
Step 7: Consider other sleeping arrangements
If you want to be up off the ground, you can use a platform such as a cot or hammock.Adding insulation as well as a mat or pad to your cot can make it more comfortable.If you decide to use a hammock, make sure you find a spot that will fit it.
Step 8: Bring blankets with you.
You need to gather up the blankets you will need if you are going to sleep in a warm environment.thicker blankets are required for colder temperatures and lighter blankets for warm nights.Bring multiple blankets of different thickness to use as layers if there is a range of temperatures.Sand can get into everything on the beach.The loose weave will allow sand to pass through the material, so flannel sheets can be used instead of cotton.If you bring an old comforter from your house, you can use it as a blanket and fall asleep.
Step 9: Pick a pillow.
Many people can't sleep without some type of cushion under their head, as sleeping flat without a pillow may be the most natural position for the spine.Extra space and weight can be added to your pack by pillows.There are many things that can be used as pillows.It is possible to use spare clothing or an insulated jacket as a pillow.You can put a backpack under a blanket if you can't spare clothing.
Step 10: If you want to sleep, choose a good spot.
A clearing of rocks and sticks is a good place to lay your mat.Finding a place next to a tree, wall or on a slab of rock would be better if you don't have a pad or blankets.There are places that can give you a place to put your head up.The shade and fruit of trees make them a good place to sleep.Make sure the branches above you are healthy so they don't fall on you while you sleep.A pine tree is a great place to sleep.The twigs and needles that have fallen over the years are very soft.Grassy areas can encourage condensation to form.If you find a cave, it can be a good place to escape the elements, but always watch out for animals.
Step 11: Appropriate clothing should be worn.
Before you get into your bag, don't wear bulky clothing.The sleeping bag's ability to trap body heat can be made less effective by this.Long underwear and clean socks keep your blankets and mats free of body oils.As soon as possible, Sweaty or damp clothing should be taken off.Extra clothing can be put outside of your sleeping bag to add more insulation.You should wear a hat.Since heat escapes from exposed areas, your head and face can get very cold.It will keep you warm if you cover these areas.You can keep the heat in by cinching your hood.
Step 12: Use leaves, pine needles or moss.
Put leaves and twigs down where you will sleep if you don't have a sleeping bag.This will be softer than the ground and will keep most bugs out of you.You can cover yourself with leaves, moss or pine needles, keep heat in and bugs out, or use a pillow.Before laying down on your bed, put a medium piece of cloth over it.You can use a towel, sheet, sweatshirt or slip cover.You can use cloth, paper towels or clothes as a pillow between the rock, tree or ground that you're laying on.
Step 13: For cold nights, use more blankets than for warm nights.
If you Sweat, use the amount of insulation you need to stay warm.If it's warm, don't zip up your sleeping bag and just put your feet in it.You can use a sheet or blanket to cover yourself.If you fill the spaces in your bag with dry clothing and blankets, there will be less space for your body to heat up.Warm water can be found in a water bottle full of warm water.It should be next to your torso.This can help generate more heat.
Step 14: Check for bugs.
Before you make your bed, check for signs of ants and other pests.Before you go to sleep, shake out your bag and blankets to make sure there aren't any animals hiding in them.If you can, elevate yourself above the ground to avoid being near insects.
Step 15: Throw out blankets and clothes.
If you will be sleeping outside, you should keep your clothes and bedding clean and dry.If you rinse material in a river, it will dry on a branch.If you allow your blankets and clothes to air out every morning, you'll be able to dry them out.
Step 16: Prepare yourself to sleep.
You won't be sleeping in your bed.It is likely that your situation will cause some disruptions for you and will not be what you are used to.Enjoy your new experience while it lasts, be ok with it.Look at the stars, smell the clean air and listen to the sounds of the wilderness.
Step 17: Adapt to the situation.
Things can get very dark after the sun sets.If you are hiking or camping, be prepared by keeping layers of clothing and other forms of insulation, as well as a flashlight or a headlamps in your car and on your person.A whistle, knife or other tool can be used for safety.You should be prepared for nighttime bathroom breaks.Along with your shoes, put a flashlight near you.
Step 18: The store has food.
If you have a tent or are away from your sleeping location, make sure you secure your food and anything scented outside.Put your spilled food in approved bins.Do not spit out toothpaste while you sleep.Do not wear your clothes to sleep if they have food odors in them.
Step 19: It's important to keep your routine.
Even though you will be sleeping on the ground, you can still get ready for bed by doing the same things you would normally do.Before you lay down in your makeshift bed, you should brush your teeth.It can make you feel normal.
Step 20: Have something to eat.
A snack before bed can help you sleep.You can warm up if you digest the food.Your body will make more heat to keep you warm.Eat foods with melatonin, such as walnuts.
Step 21: Before bed, exercise.
Light exercise can help you sleep.Stretching can be relaxing.You could become more awake if you don't exercise too much.You don't want to sweat.
Step 22: You should drink water.
Make sure you have access to water.Being thirsty is not good for sleep.You don't want to drink so much that you have to pee all night.It will aid blood circulation and help get rid of headaches that can happen at high altitudes.A warm beverage can help keep you warm.If it is cold, don't drink alcoholic beverages.Alcohol dilates blood vessels under the skin, which increases heat loss.
Step 23: Relax.
Take deep breaths to calm your body and mind.Try not to listen too much to the sounds of the night.Most animals are not dangerous and are more afraid of people than you are.Don't sleep near a river, keep a safe distance.White noise can be created by the sound of rushing water.You will eventually be tired enough to fall asleep.If you are sleeping on the ground for more than a night or two, it will get easier.Being comfortable is the most important thing you can do to fall asleep.