Here's How to Sleep at Music Festivals
As COVID-19 vaccinations roll out and state restrictions begin to lift, music festivals are finally happening again. For many people, seeing live music is at the top of their to-do lists as big events open back up. While we're looking forward to a summer of fun, many music lovers are starting to remember the challenges of falling asleep at a music festival.
If you're concerned about getting some high-quality shuteye at the end of the night, SleepPhones® has you covered. We'll identify some common problems that arise while sleeping at a music festival and provide an array of tools and resources to help you sleep while making the most of your time!
1. Pack the Right Equipment
Depending on where the music festival is located, outside temperatures may fluctuate significantly. During the day, temperatures may be high and call for loose articles of clothing, whereas the night may call for a heap of blankets at bedtime. That being said, it is crucial to plan accordingly and do research before packing for the festival.
In a past study, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) stated that heat and cold exposure are associated with “increased wakefulness and decreased rapid eye movement sleep and slow wave sleep.” If you have not packed appropriate clothing and bedding for the occasion, you may be putting the amount of sleep you get at risk. However, packing the right equipment is not just about preparing for the weather. For better sleep, consider bringing:
- A large waterproof tent with ventilation
- Extra pillows
- Temperature-appropriate sleeping bag
- A quality air mattress
- SleepPhones® Headphones
- Hand warmers or gloves
- Multiple changes of clothing
2. Limit Caffeine and Other Substances
While music festivals are often characterized by long days, you should still be conscious of your caffeine, nicotine, and other substance intake. Too much caffeine during the day may hinder your ability to sleep when the time comes, and the same can be said for nicotine. According to Jean Hailes, a leader in women's health, "100mg [of caffeine] around bedtime reduces the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep."
Other than coffee, some sources of caffeine are, but are not limited to:
- Tea
- Soda
- Chocolate
- Certain foods
- Energy drinks
- Supplements
- Ice cream
- Protein bars
- Some dairy products
When consuming food or drink at the festival, make sure you read the label! You’ll want to ensure that you obtain the recommended amount of sleep in order to avoid caffeine overuse, prevent a sleepless night, and make it through the entirety of the three-day festival.
3. Bring Headphones Specially Designed for Sleep and/or Ear Plugs
Long days at music festivals easily transition into long nights. While some people choose to sleep early, others continue partying well into the early morning; thus, it is essential to bring headphones and earplugs that can drown out the abundance of noise, especially if you are a light sleeper. At AcousticSheep, the creator of SleepPhones®, we have several products available to assist you on your journey to achieve a good night's sleep.
SleepPhones® headphones are ideal for rowdy music festivals. Not only are they bed-friendly and cord-free headphones that reduce noise, but they also function as sleep masks that shield your eyes from any and all light sources. Our headphones have proven effective in reducing ambient noise, conversations, traffic sounds, and even snoring.
If you're at the festival and confined to a tent with friends or family members who snore or are noisy and restless, this is the product for you. What's more, our headphones are hypoallergenic and moisture-wicking, so if the festival is held on a particularly hot night, you will remain comfortable and undisturbed. We also provide several free soothing sounds to help you sleep at night.
Some customers even pair SleepPhones with ear plugs:
"I love my SleepPhones. I travel with a power snorer, so the SleepPhones by themselves are not enough to help me sleep, so I wear earplugs and then run a sound machine app through the Phones. Bingo! Now I can travel and sleep well enough to enjoy it! :D" - Caroline L.
"I have to tell you - your product really is a lifesaver. I recently traveled with my mother who snores quite dramatically, and it was only through the use of both earplugs and SleepPhones that I got any sleep at all that week! The earplugs alone would not have been enough. The whole trip would have been a sleep-deprived blur if it wasn't for the SleepPhones. So kudos on a really great product!" - Pam A.
4. Maintain Your Routines
When traveling and attempting to achieve a decent night's sleep, it is helpful to stick to your regular bedtime routine. Because your body will be familiar with a routine, it may help signal to your brain that it is time to get ready for bed. If you do not adhere to your traditional nighttime routine, you may alter your sleep-wake cycle.
For many of us, brushing our teeth, washing our face, or even showering is part of our bedtime routine. For better sleep and personal hygiene, be sure to pack a few toiletries to help you feel fresh come bedtime. You should also limit foods and beverages an hour or two before bedtime to eliminate the need to visit the restroom during the night, which will disturb the amount of sleep you get.
Lastly, even if you have established it as a part of your nightly routine, avoid getting in too much screen time before bed. Electronic screens can inhibit the release of melatonin, which permits your body to drift off to sleep.
Headphones For Sleeping Soundly at Music Festivals
If you're craving a sleep-friendly environment free of the light and distracting sounds caused by the commotion of a music festival, shop SleepPhones®. Our headphones are designed by family physician Wei-Shin Lai with your comfort and sleep-wake cycle in mind. For more, visit our product page to browse our corded and wireless headphones starting at $39.95.
"One of my MUST-haves to sleep. I've been using this product for several years (maybe 6 or 7?) and have bought them for many friends and family members. If you sleep with someone who snores, these are a lifesaver!! (Add some earplugs into the mix too.) . . . Personally I use the wired version with no issues. I tuck my iPhone under my pillow in the pillow case. I have an extra one always on reserve, just in case! My husband is a light sleeper and hears EVERYTHING, so these are fabulous to allow him to block out those things that would normally wake him up. I recently got one for my daughter who has issues waking up and has roommates, so this is perfect as she can play the loudest most obnoxious alarm without her roommates feeling like they have to evacuate the building at 5am!" - Annette K.
"Just ordered my second pair. I love the fleece fabric, so soft for sleeping. I forget to charge my Bluetooth speakers but these are always ready. I am going to keep one in my suitcase so I never forget them. Sound quality is really good." - Camille S.