Ten Tips For Getting The Best Sleep You Can Manage At A Festival

Worried about getting some well-needed shut eye while away at a festival this summer? MattressNextDay recommend sleeping with your head higher than your feet and partying hard to wear yourself out.

Getting to the barrier for your favourite artist, dancing and screaming lyrics with your best friends… the last thing on your mind at a festival is getting your full eight hours of sleep. However, when it does come time to find your tent and get some shut-eye, there’s a few things you can do to ensure you get the most energising sleep possible, ready for a fun-filled day as soon as you wake up!

MattressNextDay's resident sleep expert and CEO Martin Seeley has shared seven sleep tips for getting a decent night's kip at a festival, as well as tips to wake up energised.

1. Always pitch your tent in the best position for sleep

If you’re pitching your tent on a slope (which is quite likely if you’re at somewhere like Leeds Festival or Y Not) you should take a little more precaution when choosing which way round you set up.

MattressNextDay recommends you sleep with your head higher up the slope than your feet. This way, the blood won’t rush to your head and wake you up in the morning with an awful headache. Sleeping with your feet further downhill than your head will stimulate proper blood flow and encourage a deeper sleep.

If you can, try to pitch your tent as high up the slope as possible. If it rains, those at the bottom of the hill will be flooded, so getting to the festival early to select the best spot is recommended.

2. Time your naps right

You’re super tired and there’s no artists you’re that interested in watching? Try a 20 minute power nap. However, make sure you don’t sleep for any longer than this.

Napping for any more than 20 minutes will have you feeling groggy and wanting to sleep more, rather than energised. The perfect power nap will give you energy to get through the day, even if you’re not getting enough sleep at night.

Even better, you can do a little bit of exercise as soon as you wake up - stand outside your tent and do some star jumps for a few minutes before you head to the next act. You’ll get your blood pumping and endorphins raised, making you feel energised and ready for a few more hours of partying!

3. Pitch your tent away from walkways

It's unlikely that anyone is attending a festival under the impression they’ll get the best sleep of their lives. But, if you are planning on sleeping as soon as the main acts end, you should take precautions so as to not be disturbed by those party animals staying up all night.

Pitch your tent away from busy walkways or toilets - this might be inconvenient when it comes to having to wade through a sea of tents when you want to get anywhere, but you’ll stay out of the way of busy, noisy crowds when you’re trying to sleep.

4. Dance as MUCH as possible

If you’ve finally got a chance to get some sleep, you don’t want to miss your only chance at some rest by laying there buzzing, ready to head back out there.

So, dance to your heart’s content! Whether that’s getting caught up in a mosh pit, shuffling to EDM or jumping up and down to your favourite pop star, tire yourself out as much as possible.

By the time you and your mates head back to your tent, your body will be desperate for some restorative shut-eye, so you’ll quickly fall into a deep sleep and be less likely to be woken by disturbances through the night.

5. Drink no more than 300ml of water before bed

Your body needs hydration for proper, restorative sleep, so make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will make your sleep come easier, lighten the load of a hangover and create an overall rejuvenating sleep. A glass of about 300ml of water just before you go to sleep will hydrate your brain and body just enough for a refreshing night’s sleep, without waking up for the dreaded portaloos in the night.

6. Eat an orange before bed to increase melatonin

Fruits packed with antioxidants and nutrients are also a brilliant and practical way to get a good night’s sleep at a festival. You can easily keep a few oranges in your backpack, and munching on one in the evening has been shown to increase melatonin (the sleep hormone) production relatively quickly, making it easier to fall asleep.

With their natural packaging, oranges are a great addition to your camping gear, and are a practical, super efficient way of giving your body some needed nutrients quickly. Just don’t forget about them at the bottom of your bag!

7. Recreate your usual routine

It's doubtful that you’re packing your humidifier, favourite blanket and white noise machine for a festival, but you should try to recreate as much of your usual bedtime routine as possible.

Simulating your normal pre-bed habits will signal your brain and body that you’re settling down for sleep. While you might be excited and full of adrenaline, starting to brush your teeth, wash your face and put some comfy clothes on will let your brain know that it’s sleep time.

For more information click here