10 Hacks to Sleep Safely in Your Car on a Road Trip

In the classic road trip comedy “National Lampoon’s Vacation”, Clark Griswold optimistically declares “Getting there is half the fun!” before setting off on a cross-country adventure filled with misadventures.

While your road trip may not be quite as calamitous as the Griswolds’, sometimes catching some shut-eye in your vehicle is unavoidable on long journeys. 

In fact, according to the National Sleep Foundation, around 60 percent of people in the U.S. have driven while drowsy, highlighting the prevalence of fatigue during road trips.1 Here are 10 clever hacks to help you feel safer when you need to snooze in your ride.

1. Loop Your Seatbelt through the Door Handle

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If you’re spending the night in your car, one simple hack to feel more secure is to coil your seatbelt through the inside door handle (arm rest) and buckle it. This makes it harder for the door to be opened from the outside.

2. Choose Your Parking Spot Wisely

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Carefully selecting a location is key to ensuring a safer night’s sleep. Rest stops are legal places for drivers to stop and sleep, and they can be safer since you’re likely to have other drivers nearby who are also resting.

3. Use a White Noise Machine or App

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Road noise can be a major sleep disruptor. Using a white noise machine or playing soft music may help mask intrusive sounds to create a quieter sleeping environment, leading to better sleep.

4. Create Privacy with Window Coverings

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Putting up window coverings inside the car can limit light exposure from street lamps, keeping it dark during the night to promote better sleep. Some people use eye masks or towels to fashion makeshift curtains.

5. Recline Your Seat Strategically

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Reclining the car seat back may help you get a good night’s sleep by keeping your head and neck comfortable. Aim to sleep as close to horizontal as possible to avoid waking up frequently.

6. Bring Your Own Pillow

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A travel pillow can provide extra support for your head and neck when sleeping upright in a car seat. The added comfort may improve your sleep quality.

7. Crack a Window for Ventilation

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Slightly opening your car windows or sunroof allows for air circulation to regulate the temperature inside. Use window screens to keep bugs out, and avoid opening them all the way for safety.

8. Keep a Flashlight within Reach

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Having a flashlight or headlamp easily accessible can provide peace of mind if you need to navigate in the dark. Keep it in the center console or near your makeshift bed.

9. Share Your Location with a Friend

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As a precaution, text a trusted friend or family member your planned overnight parking location before going to sleep. Knowing someone is aware of your whereabouts can ease anxiety.

10. Arm Your Car Alarm

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Don’t forget to lock your doors and arm your car alarm before settling in for the night. The extra layer of security can help you rest easier knowing you’ll be alerted to any disturbances.

While not ideal, sleeping in your car during a road trip is sometimes a necessity. With a bit of creativity and these safety hacks, you can catch some z’s more comfortably and confidently on your next adventure. Safe travels!

Source:
1. Rutgers

Nancy Maffia » nancy
Nancy Maffia
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.