How to Sleep at UK Music Festivals

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.