Five tips for better sleep in a tent. Based on science!

[@luciano136]

Ear plugs! You don't worry about every noise or animal. Also helps when you're in an actual campground. I also use an eye cover when I want to sleep in.

[@advmatt]

Great additions. I have never been able to sleep with earplugs but for those of you that can, you sleep is less interrupted. The eye cover cam be really helpful for long days of sunlight. I need to try one. Thanks.

[@BlackdogADV]

I’ve been camping off the bike for many years. I bought a Nemo air pillow a couple of years ago (the deluxe one with the foam inside). That one little thing has made a huge difference. Also, I like to have a shot of tequila during the evening but that’s about it. Ear plugs are helpful and a pee bottom is a must. I generally sleep fine but I still have the occasional bad night but that happens at home too.

[@advmatt]

Pee bottle is a must for me too. Bad nights sleep happen. Thanks for backing up my pillow tip.

[@kevinsterner9490]

Great ideas. To me the number on thing was spend the money for a good sleep system. I invested in a zero degree bg from Big Angnes along with a pad that works with it. You are 100 percent correct a pillow is essential. Now with my new system I sleep like a baby

[@advmatt]

Great to hear your sleep system is working so well. The Big Agnes pad and bag look amazing. Well designed system.

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

I started to bring actually two sleeping bags. Each one pretty light, but combined they get you really warm. They pack up tiny and take less space than one cold-weather sleeping bag (granted I do not own the super-fancy stuff). One is actually a poncho thingy, so I leave the puffy jacket (can't have daun due to allergies) at home.

[@advmatt]

@@SandraOrtmann1976 nice setup. I like the two bag approach. You have more versatility to adjust to changing temperatures. I have to inexpensive down comforters that use the same way.

[@randycallow3736]

I buy the yellow microfiber towels from Costco and cut them in half,wife uses sewing machine to hem cut edge. I have a mixture of water, alcohol and Dr. Bronner's peppermint soap. I wipe my body, face,feet and hair off with the mixture. I never sleep dirty, turn jacket and pants inside out to air out, I wipe everything off,wipe out my helmet,I use inflatable mattress and a yoga mat thickness pad and a ground cloth,spend 5+ minutes if necessary to make sure no big sticks or rocks underneath my tent. Have 3,4 of the LED Harbor Freight lights and use one to hang in the top of the tent have one entry and exit of the tent for late night bathroom break and early am wakeup. I prep all stuff for coffee in the morning,use small alcohol stove w HEAT fuel additive as the stove fuel. I use Starbucks instant coffee packets or pour over cone. Eat oatmeal or packaged pastry in the morning. I use inflatable pillows with a T-shirt material pillow case and sleeping bag liner. I don't do most of the other things. Always have 2 days of whiskey and if I am close to civilization I buy prepared food and buy water and ice if I am close to camp @30-45 minutes. Bought a 6 pack of 1in nylon lashing straps from Amazon @$10-12 bucks. You can tie anything to the bike for a short time..I can take a shower, have water for coffee, dinner and breakfast clean up in @2 gallons. I find that you get the best sleep by having everything done. Tent, bedding, food, clean up, bike inspection, breakfast setup a going pee before bed. I listen to podcasts or news, books on tape in the 3-4 minutes before I sleep. I try and never get to camp at dark or late and try to ride for 1 hour to 90 minutes before sunrise and try not to ride more than 8 hours a day..

[@advmatt]

You have a really fantastic routine. Seems like it really works for. Clearing the area under tent is something I need to get better at. Cleaning up before is a great idea. When I do clean up really well I always sleep better. Great reminder to go to bed clean. You gave me some good reminders and ideas going forward. Cheers.

[@rvator7291]

I never camp without reading matl. In fact I have gone to the store just to get a book if I have finighes one. I do use a kindle some on dark mode and it works for me. A neo air mattress is a must also. The biggest thing for me is temperture control. I sleep much better when its cool since its easier to stay warm than stay cool.You are dead on with alcohol. Never a big drinker while camping but I have imbibed a couple times and its not worth it.

[@advmatt]

Totally agree, it's not worth it. As someone who used to drink, it really wrecked my sleep and how I felt the next day even after a rather small amount. Cheers.

[@Roman-nu1om]

Sleeping in a "blackout tent" made the biggest difference for me, I wonder why they aren’t more widespread (Decathlon and Coleman sell them). Despite wearing eyeshades and earplugs I feel exposed in normal tents and often woke up just when the sun rises and my sleep wasn't as long and deep. Artificial light in the evening is also problematic as it disrupts your circadian rythmn, giving the body deceiving signals. I always wear blue light blocking glasses and only use red light after dark. Great video otherwise but the effect of light shouldn't be underestimated.

[@advmatt]

Great point about the light. I didn't know about the blackout tents. I need to look into those. Thanks.

[@olliechristopher467]

right on Matt, This digesting thing is the real deal. I notice when I ride my MTB or go for a walk my HR is always higher for the same effort if I eat right before I head out. I sleep much better by not eating before bed. I'm guilty of using my Kindle to read every night before bed. I have the background light set soft and blacked out. Not as good as a book but it works.

[@advmatt]

I started tracking my heart rate after eating and you are right, it is elevated. I was really surprised by this. Little behavioral changes can really influence sleep. Cheers.

[@OneOldManRiding]

I own a Bessport 1 person tent, that along with twelve hour riding days allows me to sleep very well! Thanks for the tips Matt. - Frank

[@verbalwidget7267]

-FRANK! 12 hour days sounds so familiar, I’m trying to maybe just do 10 hour days and relax a bit this year. But, I’m way older than you too.

[@advmatt]

You have the right formula, ride till you drop....

[@OneOldManRiding]

@@verbalwidget7267 Hello Dave, I should say I AIM for 12 hour days. If too many are in traffic, I look for a place to camp and bail early! I never go over 12 though. I am not ever in so much a hurry that I want to be riding fatigued. - Frank

[@djsomers100]

I use a light weight cot and an air mattress on top. Works great. Really superior to air mattress alone.

[@advmatt]

I completely agree. When I had a cot I loved it, but I found it too cumbersome for moto travel. It might have been the cot I was using. Great recommendation.

[@verbalwidget7267]

Very helpful video Matt, the first 3 tips I try to do even at home, but I'll need to get some camping pillows and try that and be more aware of the air pressure in the mattress. One thing I'm changing is to stop riding earlier and let myself relax and destress from being on the bike and just take in the moment. Cheers.

[@advmatt]

Stopping early has really helped me too. Getting the tent setup, eating and chilling before heading to bed really helps the unwind process.

[@kentuckyadv]

Great tips, thank you. I'm about to do some moto-camping for the first time this year to practice for longer adventures next year. I'm always open to ideas to make things better and more manageable.

[@advmatt]

Right on. Moto travel is such an incredible experience. If you do it solo you encounter so many incredibly friendly people along the way. It's a great way to experience nature.

[@gud2go50]

Great ideas! I will try them.😊

[@davidwillis6499]

I will practice these tips.. Probably not the drinking before sleep.🍺

[@advmatt]

They are a la carte!

[@samuroadventure1227]

Excellent tips!

[@advmatt]

Thanks.

[@bradb2514]

Great tips! 👍

[@advmatt]

Thanks.

[@OneOldManRiding]

Chris Smith of @motophotoadventures gave me a Benadryl in Canada. I went out in ten min, and was out for eight hours. Then sleepy all morning. Way too much for me! - Frank

[@advmatt]

I will use a half dose of Benedryl if I am really desperate for sleep. Since using these tips my sleep has really improved.

[@davidbeard2748]

I just roll out my sleeping bag on the floor of the tent, lay down, and go to sleep. People are way too spoiled these days to just camp. Gotta have this or that, no you don't.

[@advmatt]

If that works for you do it. I can't sleep like that and need a bit more comfort. I do plenty of other things that create a lot of discomfort, sleeping just isn't one of them.

[@Hutchie2112]

Any tips for ageing knees, at 65 I'm struggling with so much squatting and kneeling :) Good info there.

[@advmatt]

I don't really know what to do for joints. I have my own joint issues. I would point you to supplements but they are not for everyone. Creatine has made a huge difference for me. It is the absolute most studied supplement. I had a lot of shoulder issues that cleared up after I started using it. Consult a doctor first, but it helped me. There is a lot of research that can help you understand how it works.

[@Hutchie2112]

@@advmatt I forgot all about creatine. Used to take it daily. Thanks!

[@iRA_mkb]

Stop eating shit.

[@alvindavenport5657]

Most of your suggestions also apply to sleeping at home. I’m sensitive to outside sounds and total quiet (thanks tinnitus), so I use my iPad or iPhone for white or gray noise. Also, in order to calm my mind and forget any issues that may weigh on my mind, I create imaginary scenarios. I’ll think of a story I create mentally and revisit it each night, adding to the storyline if I don’t go to sleep quickly. I’m often asleep before the story needs additions. As I get older I do find it more difficult to create a plausible story, so many racing or adventure storylines are modified to suit my age. I’m now the oldest rider to win an AMA road race. I used to be the youngest.😊 Thanks for the tips.

[@advmatt]

@@alvindavenport5657 your process is really interesting. Seems to really work well for you. You are correct, same process at home as in the tent. I also have tinnitus, I might try the white noise again. I used to do it. Great reminder thanks.

[@BoilerRealm]

Pop an edible, and read a book on my kindle until I can't hold my eyes open any more 🍬

[@advmatt]

Sounds like you figured out works best for you. No substitute for the value of reading.