Studies have shown that sleeping in cold temperatures is good for your health. But sometimes, when it’s REALLY cold it can be hard to get comfortable even if you know it’s good for you. Here are our 8 tips on how to sleep better in cold weather, so your winter camping trips can still be comfortable & shiver free.
8 Tips To Sleep Better in Cold Weather
1) USE A HIGH R-VALUE MATTRESS OR PAD & A GOOD SLEEPING BAG
Sleeping off the cold ground is essential. The higher the R-value of a sleeping mattress or pad, the greater it will resist heat transfer (loss of body heat). The HEST Sleep System, with 7 inches of thickness and a R-value of 11.8, offers the ultimate insulation from the ground. At 11.8, this is one of the highest R-value portable camping mattresses on the market. Read more about R-value and why it is important when camping.
In addition to your sleeping pad, having a high quality sleeping bag that is rated for cold temperatures is a game changer in terms of warmth. A zero degree bag is essential for sleeping well while winter camping.
2) LAYER UP
Wearing a couple layers will help to keep you warm when you first get in bed, and make it easy to adjust if you get too hot in the middle of the night, just peel one off!
3) USE A HOT WATER BOTTLE OR ELECTRIC BLANKET
Bringing a source of external heat like an electric blanket or a hot water bottle will do wonders in warming you up. Ignik makes some killer personal heating pads.
4) LIGHT MOVEMENT BEFORE BED
Getting your blood flowing a little will help warm your body before you hit the hay. Some light stretching is great, just don’t overdo it and start sweating.
5) HEAD & FEET
Wearing a hat and socks will help warm those extremities and make such a difference in your warmth. Yes your hair might look crazy in the morning, but at least you’ll be warm!
6) MOVE YOUR FEET AROUND
If you find yourself in bed and you’re still freezing, rub those feet together and move them around. The movement will warm the bed up AND get your blood flowing.
7) CUDDLE UP
Find yourself a cuddle buddy and spoon the night away! Body heat from humans and pets is the number one easiest way to get warm quickly with an extra bonus of boosting your endorphins :)
8) TEMPERATURE RESILIENT FOAM
Most home mattresses use memory foam that will turn rock hard at colder temperatures. HEST uses a proprietary foam in all of our mattresses that maximizes insulation and stays plush and comfortable even in freezing temperatures. High quality memory foam will keep you warm & cozy in the cold.
