For some, sleeping in a car seems like the worst nightmare, for others, it’s a great way to save money and enjoy a specific location. Whatever you might think about sleeping in a car, there are ways how one can make the entire experience a lot more pleasing.
Your experience depends highly on the type of car you want to sleep in. If you own a camper, they usually come equipped with curtains and other convenience features, and all you have to do is simply use them.
On the other hand, if you are trying to sleep in a regular car, here you will find a few helpful tips for a more enjoyable experience. A set of tinted windows is extremely important for safety and privacy reasons, you should also buy a sleeping mask to further increase your comfort.
Be sure to open your window at least a little bit, and invest in a moisture absorber of some sort. Furthermore, it’s always a good idea to buy a set of window visors that should deter intruders and rain. Pack yourself with lots of snacks, flashlights, and charging devices, and you are good to go.
Covering your windows for privacy and light
No matter where you decide to spend the night, you ought to make sure that your privacy and safety are decent at a minimum, and the window transparency is one of the most important aspects of safety and privacy. Most cars these days are available with privacy glass for the rear windows, and the front ones can only be tinted to a certain degree.
That being said, if you don’t have a car with tinted windows, you should invest in a set of in-car curtains or sun shades that can be easily mounted in a few moments. In a worst-case scenario, you can also use a blanket to cover up the windows, just make sure you do it properly.
Increase your sleep comfort
Besides windows, another great way to completely block out the lights is to buy a decent sleeping mask. A good night’s rest is paramount if you want to enjoy your holiday, and a sleeping mask is the only item you need to block out all of the lights.
Another useful tip is to always find even ground to sleep on. If you can’t find a level surface, make sure that your head is in an elevated position because this increases the overall sleep quality. Be sure to crack open your windows, and the best way to do so is to invest in a quality set of window visors that block rain, but still let oxygen in.
Items to buy that will help you sleep better
Even if you do crack open your windows, it’s really hard to avoid moisture build-up, especially so if more than one person sleeps inside the car. For such purposes, you are best of buying a dedicated moisture absorber to get rid of all the excess moisture.
In addition to that, make sure you buy some sort of bug deterrent, especially so if you planning on sleeping in your car during the summer. Dedicated bug screens are great if you want to block the bugs from entering inside the car, or anti-bug sprays for even more safety.
Useful electronic devices for entertainment and connectivity
Whenever you spend a lot of time out in the wild, it is always advisable to have multiple ways of communicating for safety and entertainment. Virtually anyone has a smartphone of some sort these days, so you should always bring one with you just in case.
Besides a smartphone, flashlights are also an important part of making sure you have a light source if everything else fails. Furthermore, a power bank also comes in handy when you need to top up your devices.
Where and how to park for increased safety and convenience
You can’t sleep anywhere you want, because of this, it is always best to consult yourself with appropriate places to spend the night. When you do come across a viable spot, make sure that the place is safe and not too secluded.
You ought to park your car in a way that enables you to quickly leave if something happens. Make sure you are not parked on private property or a road of any sort. Try to find a quiet place not too far away from civilization.
FAQ Section
Is it legal to sleep in a car?
It depends on the location, in the US for example, this varies from state to state so you should always Google the area you are interested in. Besides the fact that a certain place is legal or not, you should also do your own risk assessment.
In other places, like the UK or the rest of Europe, it is legal to do so, but be sure to park legally. Some people opt for shopping center parking lots because they offer lots of space and are near interesting cities and sites, but be sure to check the parking rules beforehand.
What is the best car to sleep in?
The best types of cars to sleep in are estate cars and minivans because they offer ample space and are usually longer than hatchbacks and SUVs. Sedans can also be great for sleeping if you prefer sleeping in the front seats, the same story goes for SUVs.
Another great option is to buy a comfortable van which can be converted into a small campervan. These types of vans are becoming popular with adventurists and nature lovers. Whatever car you opt for, make sure that it is large enough for you to stretch out.
Can I leave my car or A/C running while sleeping inside a car?
While sleeping inside the car, you ought to never leave your car running no matter what. There is a great chance of carbon monoxide poisoning which can sometimes be deadly. You also shouldn’t leave your A/C running because it will kill your battery.
Besides killing your battery, the air quality might not be well suited for sleeping. The best thing you can do is to crack open your windows a little bit, but be sure to always lock your doors while sleeping inside a car.
