Sleep Outdoors: The Health Benefits of Sleeping Under the Stars
Tired of tossing and turning in pursuit of the elusive good night's sleep? Desperate times call for desperate measures, my sleepy friend. You've attempted every trick in the book to transform your dark, quiet, cosy sanctuary into a sleep paradise. But have you ever considered taking a little journey outside the confines of your cosy abode? That's right, the answer to our sleepless woes might just be found beneath the twinkling stars! In this wild world of sleep remedies, a study conducted in 2017 unearthed an unexpected solution to our nocturnal plight.
Picture this: instead of your stuffy bedroom, imagine yourself resting peacefully in a camping tent or hammock, enveloped by the crisp nocturnal breeze. Surprising, isn't it? Well, prepare to have your mind blown as we delve into the realm of scientific wonders to understand the magic behind sleeping in the great outdoors. So, strap on your adventurous boots because we're about to embark on a thrilling journey through the realm of sleep research. Uncovering the hidden treasures that lie within the realm of open-air slumber, we unveil the secrets behind why Mother Nature might just hold the key to our sweet dreams. It's time to bid farewell to sleepless nights and enter the realm of invigorating, rejuvenating sleep like never before!
Reset Your Circadian Rhythm with the Power of Natural Light Exposure
While we may not have an abundance of studies on the benefits of catching z's in the great outdoors, we do have a treasure trove of research on how light affects our internal clock - that fancy-schmancy circadian rhythm thingy. You see, our bodies have this nifty 24-hour clock that's heavily influenced by those shiny beams we call sunlight and the deep darkness that comes after. When the sun is blazing, our alertness is at its peak; when it's pitch black, we're ready to catch some magical sleep. But wait! Turns out, this whole artificial light business indoors has messed up the delicate balance of nature's light-show and thrown our internal clocks out of whack. There is good news, though as sleeping outside cuts through all that chaos like a stealthy ninja. Without those disturbing indoor lights trying to mess with our sleep schedule, we can finally hit the hay when we're actually supposed to. There’s an older study from 2013 that discovered that exposing ourselves to only natural light helps synchronise our circadian rhythm with the sun's daily routine. Translation? Snoozing outdoors and waking up to the rising sun is the most natural way to embrace the day and it might just turn you into a morning ninja, bursting with alertness and leaving grumpiness in the dust.
Boost Melatonin Production with Dim Lighting
Tossing and turning like a fish out of water after a late-night binge of Netflix? Well, blame it on the sneaky blue light that's messing with your sweet dreams. According to a fancy-pants clinical review from 2022, this villainous blue light can seriously mess with your sleep, making it less restful and efficient. But fortunately there's a simple solution that doesn't involve locking up your electronic devices in a soundproof cell. Just step outside, embrace the great outdoors, and let the natural darkness work its magic. Not only will you dodge the artificial lighting ambush, but you'll also avoid the mischievous blue light that sneaks its way into your system and messes with your precious melatonin levels. So, next time you find yourself glued to one more episode or desperately turning the pages of your favourite e-book, hit the pause button, step outside, and give your sleep the sanctuary it deserves. A good night's sleep is worth more than all the streaming marathons combined!
Boost Your Immunity Potential
Sleeping outside with the trees and plants might just be the spa treatment nature intended for us. You see, when plants defend themselves, they release these badass chemicals called phytoncides. And guess what? Those same chemicals can also work their magic to safeguard us humans. They pack a punch with their antibacterial and antifungal superpowers, all while giving a shout-out to our immune system by summoning a horde of white blood cells. Those clever Japanese folks even coined a term for this divine experience: forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku if you're fancy. It turns out that immersing yourself in this botanical paradise not only leads to a cleaner cardiovascular system, but also kicks anxiety and depression to the curb. As if that wasn't enough, it has the power to transform your emotional state and overall attitude in a truly remarkable way. So, why waste another second? Hurry up and book your appointment with Mother Nature, because this outdoor escapade will leave you feeling fresher than a blooming daisy on a sunny spring day.
Enhanced Physical & Mental Performance
Fresh air isn't just good for our lungs, it's a brain booster too! Believe it or not, our brains are like oxygen-guzzling divas. They may only weigh 2% of our body, but they demand a whopping 20% of the oxygen we inhale. Talk about high-maintenance! But no need getting worried, for the solution is as simple as taking a step outside. Yes, a night under the stars, basking in the glory of the great outdoors, can actually enhance our cognitive abilities. So, next time you're stuck in a mental fog, skip the brain-training apps and head straight for the fresh air. Nature is the ultimate brain gym! And that's not all. By breaking free from the shackles of indoor living, we also minimise our exposure to the indoor pollutants lurking within our humble abodes. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, these baddies can wreak havoc on our health, both in the present and the future. Yikes! Think about it. We spend a whopping 90% of our time cooped up indoors. That's like trapping our brains in a stuffy, nasty box most of the day! No wonder we feel sluggish and uninspired. It's time to reclaim our mental prowess and breathe in some untainted air. Indoor air pollution is sneaky and comes from all sorts of devilish sources. We're talking about fuel-burning appliances, tobacco smoke, cleaning supplies with more chemicals than a mad scientist's lab, excess moisture (we're not talking about your cousin's sweaty gym socks), and oh-so-innocent-looking building materials and furnishings. It's an indoor battlefield! So, let's take control of our oxygen-gulping brains and bid farewell to the indoor pollution puppet masters. Embrace the great outdoors, where our thoughts can wander among the stars. And don't worry, the trees won't mind if you do some brain exercises while you're at it. They're the silent cheerleaders of clear thinking! Remember, fresh air is not just for our lungs, but for our brilliant brains. So, let's breathe deep, think sharper, and unleash our full cognitive potential. Mother Nature is calling. It's time to answer with a witty, brain-powered response!
Less Stress, More Happiness
New research has unveiled a radical correlation between frolicking in Mother Nature's loving embrace and boosting our mental state. Yep, you heard it right! Just a dose of fresh air and greenery can work wonders for your emotions. It's like a spa day for your mind, effectively activating the fancy-sounding parasympathetic nervous system, which is basically a stress buster. So, if you were contemplating joining the latest trend of outdoor slumber parties, you might just be onto something here. Aside from igniting our deep-rooted connection to the natural world, camping under the stars can bring us an uncanny sense of serenity and bliss. Nature's lullaby, orchestrated by birds chirping and leaves rustling, can wrap you in a soothing embrace that makes drifting off to dreamland a breeze. Don't believe me? Well, a study from 2017 confirms that the harmony of natural sounds has some sort of mystical power to tame our fight-or-flight tendencies, unlike those artificial noises that pretend they're soothing but only end up making you want to run away and hide under your toasty blanket. So, it seems those clever folks behind sleep apps and devices were onto something when they loaded up their libraries with an abundance of nature sounds. Whether it's the trickling of a pristine stream or the symphony of crickets, these melodic wonders can transport you to a realm of ultimate relaxation. Now, don't wait any longer - it's time to dive headfirst into the great outdoors and let nature serenade you into a peaceful slumber.
Sleep Soundly - Valuable Hacks for Outdoor Slumber
Even if you're just camping in your own backyard, don't underestimate the importance of planning your outdoor slumber. I had a chat with Alison Watta, a hiking aficionado and the mastermind behind ExplorationSolo, a travel website that thrills adventure seekers. She's got some genius tips on how to fully embrace nature while securing a glorious night's sleep. "Sleeping outside is as personal as your unique bedtime routine, and what lulls one person into dreamland might leave another tossing and turning," Watta wisely reveals. "The key is to prioritise your safety and gradually fine-tune your packing checklist to match your preferences." Here are Watta's words of wisdom if you're a newbie in the wild:
- Use a Decent Sleeping Bag: Watta's got your back when it comes to safety in the great outdoors! Her witty advice goes like this: find yourself a sleeping bag that can handle temperatures that rival an Arctic expedition. We're talking ten degrees below whatever icy lows you're anticipating. Why, you ask? Well, because as you climb those majestic mountains, the temperature drops faster than an ice cube down a ski slope. But wait, there's more! Watta warns about the wild weather whims of those mountains. You see, they have a knack for cooking up their very own meteorological mischief. Picture yourself innocently hiking along, when bam! Out of nowhere, a thunderstorm ruins your peaceful camping party. Not to mention those sudden gusts of wind that can turn your hair into a bird's nest in seconds flat. It's all part of the mountain charm, Watta says. Now, if you fancy experiencing the unfiltered wilderness and decide to sleep without a fancy tent, Watta affectionately refers to this as "cowboy camping." Watta has a nifty trick up her sleeve for keeping you dry. Enter the bivy sack, your trusty waterproof shield that wraps your sleeping bag in a cosy, rain-repellent embrace. It's like a stylish raincoat for your precious bed in the great outdoors. So heed Watta's sage advice and conquer those mountains equipped with a toasty sleeping bag, your favourite cowboy hat, and a bivy sack ready to ward off any sudden downpours. Adventure awaits you!
- Bring a Pillow & Pad: Alright, listen up adventure seekers! Watta, our resident camping connoisseur, has some crucial advice for you when it comes to catching those Z's in the great outdoors. Now, alongside your trusty sleeping bag, she insists that you equip yourself with a sleeping pad and a pillow...yes, people, a pillow! She prefers the pad that uses air instead of those self-inflating contraptions. Why, you ask? Well, it's quite simple - those air pads are lighter than a feather's fart. You can't argue with the logic, folks. Not only does this pad add some heavenly cushioning to your rough-and-tumble sleeping experience, but it also comes with an additional perk. Brace yourselves for this one because it's going to blow your thermal socks off. This marvellous invention actually slows down the transfer of your body heat into the cold, craggy ground. So now you can snooze peacefully without worrying about your precious heat escaping into the abyss! Now, let's talk R-values. Watta explains that most pads come with this fancy-schmancy R-value indicator, which measures how well they keep your body's cosy warmth from fading away. If you're planning on venturing into icier terrains, buckle up because you're going to need a pad that's highly insulated, boasting a higher R-value. Comfort is worth every degree! Regarding a pillow, Watta has got your comfort needs covered as well. She recommends hunting for something that's both travel-friendly and inflatable. Because, let's face it, carrying a bulky pillow through the wilderness is just a tad impractical.
- Make Sure not Getting Wet: Keeping your precious sleeping bag and clothing high and dry obviously is very important. According to Watta’s quirky wisdom, you'll need not just one, but two layers of water protection because, hey, water has a mysterious way of creeping its way into every nook and cranny. Layer number 1, as suggested by our insightful guru, involves equipping yourself with a waterproof backpack that'll make those water droplets tremble in fear. But wait, that’s not all! Watta unveils her secret weapon: lining your backpack with a trusty old trash bag. Yep, you heard that right! The noble garbage bag shall rise above its humble origin to shield your belongings from the unforgiving wrath of moisture. Alternatively, you could channel your inner fashionista and flaunt a waterproof cover for your pack, making a statement while keeping nature's liquid surprise at bay. But don't relax just yet, for Watta's wisdom knows no bounds. Layer number 2, for that extra splash of protection, involves employing an item called a "dry sack." No, it's not a snarky nickname for your annoyingly optimistic friend, but rather a nifty bag designed to keep your clothing and cosy sleeping bag sweetness absolutely moisture-free. Picture it as a fortress made of fabric, safeguarding your cherished belongings within. Genius, right?
In a Nutshell
Want to become besties with Mother Nature while also becoming BFFs with the Sandman? Well, look no further than sleeping outside! Not only will you be embracing the great outdoors, but you might just stumble upon a hidden treasure of better sleep. You see, the glorious fresh air and the majestic sky's display of dazzling sunrises and breath-taking sunsets can dance harmoniously with your body's natural rhythms. And what does that mean? It means that drifting off into dreamland and staying there will be a piece of cake! But, let's not forget the golden rule of packing properly. We want to ensure that your outdoor slumber is safe and cosy. So, take a moment to plan ahead and gather all the essentials for your perfect sleep under the stars.
“The stars are my roof, the wilderness is my bedroom, and the campfire is my warmth.” – P.H
