Ever notice how you sleep like a log when you’re camping? You’re not alone. More than half of campers say they get a better night’s sleep outdoors than in their own bed. And it’s not just the fresh air – though nearly 70% of campers swear by it. If you’re looking for tips and things that help sleep, you’re in the right place.

We asked Heather Darwall-Smith, psychotherapist specialising in sleep and author of How to Be Awake (So You Can Sleep Through the Night), about the importance of a good night’s rest: “Camping’s like hitting the reset button on your sleep. Spending all that time outside – soaking up sunlight, moving your body, tuning into nature’s soundtrack – gets your sleep systems working how they’re supposed to.” Here are Heather’s top sleep tips:

1. Soak up natural light

Want better sleep? Spend your days outside. Natural light – especially at dawn and dusk – resets your body clock. A US study* found that just a week of camping with only natural light exposure synced people’s internal clocks with sunrise and sunset. Morning light boosts cortisol to wake you up, while evening light helps your brain produce melatonin to ease you into sleep. If you haven’t booked your next camping trip, view our UK campsites to secure your pitch and restful sleep.

2. Lean into nature’s soundtrack

The sound of rain pattering on your tent or wind rustling through leaves isn’t just cosy – it’s therapeutic. More than half of campers say these sounds help them drift off better than their own bed. Studies show low-frequency noises like rain or gentle wind trigger relaxation, calming your nervous system and masking disruptions.

Hamza Yassin, Club President and wildlife cameraman, agrees: “Whether it’s the sound of the wind blowing through the trees or the soft patter of raindrops on a tent, immersing yourself in nature provides the ultimate soundtrack for a peaceful night’s sleep.”

Don’t fear rain on your next camping trip; view our easy tips for staying dry when camping in the rain.

3. Move your body (the fun way)

Camping is like nature’s gym – you move without even trying. Physical activity builds sleep pressure, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep. Research shows moderate exercise such as hiking, improves sleep quality and helps you fall asleep faster. Your body earns its rest, making it easier to drift off and stay asleep.

4. Camping resets your sleep-wake timing

Without artificial lights, you naturally fall into a healthier sleep rhythm. Your body clock syncs with the morning light, boosting energy levels and sleep quality. Camping gives you a built-in reset that’s hard to recreate at home.

5. Enjoy the 3 a.m. loo trip

A great reframe for that 3 a.m. loo trip – it’s the perfect opportunity to gaze at a sky packed with stars. And here’s the thing: brief awakenings during the night are normal. Sleep happens in cycles; knowing another sleep window is just around the corner helps you relax and drift off again. Discover some of the best places to camp for stargazing.

6. Ditch screens after sunset

It’s not just about the blue light – it’s the mental clutter. Scrolling your phone or checking messages yanks your mind back into everyday worries. Instead, chat with friends, or let your thoughts wander. Camping gives your brain permission to slow down, making sleep easier.

7. Better sleep due to fresh air – or is it?

Nearly 70% of campers say fresh air is their favourite part of sleeping outdoors. But is the air really doing the heavy lifting? Turns out, it’s more about everything else: natural light resetting your body clock, a break from daily life, and sheer physical effort. Fresh air feels great, but the whole package boosts your sleep.

8. Take a break from information overload

Camping is your excuse to hit pause on the noise. In daily life, your brain’s constantly processing notifications, traffic, to-do lists... even the drive to the campsite bombards you with input. But once you’re out there, just sitting by a river or staring at the stars, your nervous system finally gets to relax. That mental break makes sleep come much more easily.

9. Get cosy

Comfort matters. A decent sleeping bag and mat aren’t luxuries – they’re essentials. The better you sleep, the more time you spend in deep, restorative stages. And less tossing and turning means you wake up feeling genuinely refreshed. Read our equipment guides to discover the very best camping gear.

10. Wear warm socks

It sounds simple, but wearing socks to bed can make a big difference. Research shows that warming your feet helps dilate blood vessels, signalling to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Cosier feet = faster, deeper sleep. So don’t skip the socks, especially on chilly nights.

11. Practice mindfulness through nature

Camping’s a perfect chance to just be. Camping makes mindfulness feel effortless. Whether listening to birdsong or feeling the cool morning air, paying attention to your surroundings can lower stress hormones and quiet your mind – just what you need for restful sleep.

12. Feel connected and safe

Camping isn’t just about nature – it’s about community and simplicity. Being surrounded by fellow campers, sharing stories, or knowing others are nearby creates a sense of safety and connection. Nearly 40% of campers feel fully relaxed within an hour of pitching up, and 49% say sleeping under the stars helps them de-stress. Feeling secure and connected helps your nervous system relax, paving the way for a great night’s sleep.

For more camping tips and inspiration view all of our Advice.

*https://www.colorado.edu/today/2017/02/01/cant-get-sleep-wilderness-weekend-can-help