Discover the Benefits of Camping for Your Sleep

Sleep and Its Challenges

I’ve never been a good sleeper. Even the faintest snore can wake me up, and the softest music or a conversation from the next room while I’m trying to sleep can be incredibly frustrating. College life was a real challenge for my sleep. Over time, I’ve tried many methods like sleeping pills, cannabis, and even listening to Jeff Bridges’ sleep recordings. But none of these solutions provided lasting results, not even The Dude’s soothing voice.

Eventually, I realized that the most effective remedy wasn’t found in my medicine cabinet or the latest health influencer’s product. It was a quiet campsite by a flowing river, going to bed with the rhythm of the sun.

Camping Experience

I’ve been a camping enthusiast since my teenage years. However, before becoming a parent, I often turned down official campsites, thinking they were for those who weren’t skilled enough to find the perfect wild camping spot. But now, at 40 with a four-year-old daughter, I appreciate the convenience that campgrounds provide.

I used to think I didn’t need those amenities, but now the peace of mind from having a reserved spot is something I cherish, especially when camping with a child. This phase has given me the best sleep I’ve had since my daughter first slept through the night. Recently, I experimented with a sleep tracking ring after reading about the “biohacking in nature” trend. This trend suggests that human physiology adapts to the rhythms of nature, and adjusting our work schedules to align with natural light can optimize our physical and mental health.

Amazing Results from Nature

I tested this for two weeks, wearing the ring on regular days. Then, I spent a few days at a campground, going to bed early and waking up naturally. No alarms, no snoozing—just waking up when my eyes opened. During those two weeks, my average sleep score was around 60 out of 100. However, on some nights when I slept before 10 PM, my score was higher—indicating that going to bed on time is crucial.

I chose the Carbondale/Crystal River KOA Holiday campground, just a 7-minute drive from Carbondale, right by the flowing river. This was my first time staying at a KOA campground, and I hoped it wouldn’t be a noisy RV park. On the contrary, it was wonderful, surrounded by cottonwood and pine trees. After setting up camp, I tried out the sauna and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere.

Sleeping Well in Nature

That night, I went to bed at 9 PM and quickly fell asleep to the sound of flowing water. My sleep score was 79, with 7 hours and 35 minutes of uninterrupted sleep—the best I’ve had since wearing the ring. The next morning, I woke up at 6 AM, before the sun rose. There was no rush or immediate need to check my phone; I brewed coffee on the camp stove and savored the morning light. Research shows that early morning light helps regulate our circadian rhythms, and I could clearly feel the positive effects.

Conclusion: Important Practices and Messages

I can’t camp all the time, but spending time in nature rejuvenates my mental and physical health. Even a bit of data from the ring shows that getting outdoors and listening to nature’s sounds is invaluable. Campgrounds like KOA offer the convenience of a ready-made camping spot without the hassle of searching for a spontaneous site. While I can’t do this frequently, it’s clear that connecting with nature can significantly improve my sleep.

Article adapted from: Matador Network