Written by Sosha Lewis, Senior Staff Writer
Whether you’re embarking on your first RV trip or you’re a seasoned pro, there are challenges that can happen, particularly with getting quality rest. Vacations can often mean sleeping in a smaller area and on unfamiliar beds. However, vacationing in an RV can present unique sleeping issues, such as your bedroom being inside a moving vehicle or outside distractions you wouldn’t normally have at home.
The upside, though, is that you don’t have to endure sleepless nights during your trip. With a little planning, your RV sleep schedule can be a dream. In this article, we’ll break down 13 ways to help you get quality sleep in an RV.
How to Sleep Better in an RV
1. Invest in an RV Mattress
RV mattresses are designed for recreational vehicles and are shorter or narrower than your typical bed mattress. They come in various sizes, including Bunk, Full, Three-Quarter, Short Queen, Queen, Short King, King, Eastern King, and California King. Prices for RV mattresses will vary based on the type of mattress, brand, and size you get. Prices for Short Queen sizes, for example, can start at well below $1,000 to around $1,300.
Unlike most bed mattresses, you can also purchase RV mattresses with different edges to fit the unique shape of your RV, such as rounded or rectangular. The best RV mattresses come loaded with similar comfort features you’d enjoy at home for a good night’s sleep, such as cooling technology (a great feature for summer camping) or motion isolation (helpful for co-sleepers and couples).
2. Find a Quiet Camping Spot
To avoid frustration from the noise of busy roads or popular tourist sites, park your RV in a quiet, peaceful spot without a lot of other people around. We recommend doing your research beforehand to make sure the spot is not only quiet but also designated for RV parking. In some cases, you may need to reserve something ahead of time.
3. Keep Your RV Level
Keeping your RV level is a must for both safety and comfort. Leveling your RV, which means raising or lowering sections of your vehicle as needed, maintains interior balance so you don’t stumble around. It also helps your mattress lay flat, which is important for good sleep.
If you’re not sure how to level an RV, research how to do it and the different systems available before your trip so you’re well-prepared. If you’re renting the RV, ask the rental company, who should be able to provide some guidance on this.
4. Manage Lighting
As bedtime approaches, turn off as many lights, including overhead lights and lamps. Trying to make your RV as dark as possible will help boost melatonin, a hormone produced in response to darkness that helps facilitate sleep.1
To help block out external light, invest in window coverings for your RV, such as blackout curtains or shades. Another tip is to bring along an eye mask. These are an affordable and easily packable way to block out light, especially if anyone else you’re camping with isn’t ready for bed yet.
5. Bring Earplugs
Ideally, you’ll already be in a quiet camping spot, but when this isn’t possible, you will want to keep earplugs on hand. These are also handy if any of the other occupants in your camper snore.
6. Use a White Noise Machine
Although the constant noise of a portable fan or a white noise machine may not be for everyone, for others, it could be a big help. According to a research study, participants fell asleep 38 percent faster while listening to white noise.2
That said, the evidence for white noise as an effective sleep aid is limited, so if you already know you sleep better with it, then it could be worth bringing along.3 If not, maybe go for the earplugs.
Just make sure any white noise machine you buy for camping can run on batteries!
7. Stay Cool
A cooler room is more comfortable and better for sleeping, so keeping your RV nice and cool should be a priority.
If you have a newer RV, insulation shouldn’t be a problem, but if you’re buying or renting an older model, you’ll want to double-check that the insulation is in working order because if it isn’t, your RV may get too hot. Also, renters should give an RV’s AC system a test run with a company rep present to make sure that is good to go.
Of course, you’re probably not going to leave an RV running all night, in which case portable air conditioners and fans can come in handy to help cool down your RV while you sleep.
Lastly, what you wear to bed can help keep you cool. Wear breathable, lightweight pajamas made from materials like organic cotton, linen, or bamboo.
8. Upgrade Your Bedding & Pillows
Before you hit the road, consider upgrading your bedding and pillows for enhanced comfort.
We recommend looking for sheets and pillows made from naturally cooler materials like cotton or bamboo. Another tip is to get sheets that are moisture-wicking, which will help keep things dry and cool.
If you love a memory foam pillow, make sure it has cooling gel to offset heat retention. It’s also a good idea to make sure your pillow suits your sleeping preferences. Pillows come in many shapes, sizes, and materials, and whatever you use should keep your head and neck comfortably supported.
9. Reduce Screentime Before Bed
When traveling in an RV, there will be times when our smartphones or tablets will be invaluable. However, right before bed is not one of those times. Screen devices should be avoided around bedtime.4
Mindlessly scrolling can distract you and keep you up later than you intended, while “doom-scrolling” before bed can lead to heightened anxiety, which makes it harder to fall asleep.4
Furthermore, the blue light from your phone mimics daylight, which can suppress melatonin production and make you feel more alert.5
10. Get Exercise During The Day
When traveling by RV, there may be days when it is hard to get in time for exercise, especially if you need to do a lot of driving. However, regular moderate exercise could improve your sleep quality and extend sleep duration.6 In this case, take advantage of outdoor activities while you travel, such as hiking, cycling, or swimming.
11. Stay Hydrated
If you’re not properly hydrated, you may find yourself waking up in the middle of the night feeling thirsty. On top of that, not getting enough sleep may increase your chances of becoming dehydrated.7
Try to drink more water during the day and then start to taper off as bedtime approaches. This way, you’re less likely to get up to use the restroom during the night.
To ensure you have enough water on hand, purchase a larger package, such as a 24-pack of water cases, and pack them in the RV at the start of your trip. Bringing along some coconut water as well could be helpful since it has electrolytes in it.
12. Consider Using a Sleep Aid or Supplement
There are plenty of over-the-counter sleep aids and supplements available at pharmacies and retail stores that may help with your sleep. However, always consult your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements or medications.
13. Talk to a Sleep Expert
If you have been implementing these tips and are still struggling with sleeping in your RV, there are sleep specialists, therapists, and other healthcare professionals, who can further assist you in getting quality sleep.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my RV bed more comfortable?
RV beds are available in a variety of materials and types. You can purchase one that closely mimics your bed at home and fits your sleep position preferences. If you are unable to get a new mattress, there are also mattress toppers available, which can help with things like support, pressure relief, and cooling.
Along with toppers, breathable sheets and pillows, can also make your RV bed more comfortable.
What are the best types of mattresses or mattress toppers for an RV?
If possible, it is best to use mattresses specifically designed for use in RVs. This is because many RV beds are shorter and narrower so that they will more easily fit in the unique spaces of these vehicles. We also recommend going with RV mattresses similar to the type of mattress you prefer to use at home to help you feel more comfortable.
What are some relaxation techniques or practices I can incorporate to improve sleep in an RV?
It is important to allow yourself to relax and unwind once you return to your RV. Your first instinct might be to scroll through your phone, but instead, we recommend opening up a relaxing book or doing some stretching or meditation. This way, that blue light coming from your cell phone won’t leave you feeling more wide awake.4
Are there any specific exercises or activities that can help promote better sleep in an RV?
When possible, get out of the RV and engage in physical activity. This can include hiking, exploring the urban landscape, riding a bike, or swimming. Daily moderate exercise is linked to better sleep quality.5
Understandably, you may not always be able to get out and exercise. During these times, at least try to get in some stretching or yoga at the end of the day.
Final Word of Advice
Traveling and exploring in an RV is an excellent way to experience incredible places, but you may need to take extra steps to ensure you’re well-rested along the way. While it may take some trial and error to find what works best for you, prioritizing your sleep will not only make your RV experience more enjoyable, but healthier as well.
The Advisor Says
You may not be able to recreate your exact home environment, but there are steps you can take to sleep more soundly in your RV, such as cooler pajamas, an eye mask, or a portable fan. You can try either some or all of our tips to see what works best.
Sosha Lewis
Senior Staff Writer
About Author
Sosha Lewis is a senior staff writer for Sleep Advisor. Lewis is happy that she is able to combine her love of sleep with her love of writing.
Combination Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach
References:
- “Melatonin: What You Need To Know”. National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health. Last modified May 2024.
- Messineo, Ludovico., et al. “Broadband Sound Administration Improves Sleep Onset Latency in Healthy Subjects in a Model of Transient Insomnia”. Frontiers in Neurology. 2017.
- Riedy, Samantha M., et al. “Noise as a sleep aid: A systematic review”. Sleep Medicine Reviews. 2021.
- “Why You Should Ditch Your Phone Before Bed”. Cleveland Clinic. 2022.
- “Blue light has a dark side”. Harvard Health Publishing. 2020.
- Dolezal, Brett A., et al. “Interrelationship between Sleep and Exercise: A Systematic Review”. Advances in Preventive Medicine. 2017.
- Rosinger, Asher Y., et al. “Short sleep duration is associated with inadequate hydration: cross-cultural evidence from US and Chinese adults”. Sleep. 2019.