Truckers can spend upwards of 40 hours a week on the road, but everyone needs to sleep sometime. For perpetual drivers, that often means turning your cab into your one stop shop for everything you could normally get at home. It doubles as a kitchen, living room, and yes, bedroom. We know that it’s not always easy to get a good night’s sleep in a space the size of a twin bed, but we’ve got tips that can help you upgrade and enjoy a night in your cab no matter where you are or how long you’ve been on the road.
Darken The Space
Maybe you’re someone who can sleep well anywhere, or maybe you need things to be pitch black. Regardless, did you know that light can disrupt the depth of your sleep even if it doesn’t actually wake you up? That’s why it’s so beneficial to invest in portable blackout curtains, or even DIY them yourself with sheets or extra fabric. Making sure your cab is as dark as possible can mean you fall asleep faster, sleep deeper and feel more rested on the road.
Noise To a Minimum
It should come as no surprise that truck stops and other rest areas aren’t always the quietest places. With vehicles constantly coming and going, people conversing and the sounds of nearby roadways, it can be hard to fall asleep with all the noise. Earplugs or a white noise machine can make all the difference when it comes to distracting sounds.
A Comfortable Bed
After a long shift, you may feel as though you could fall asleep standing up; but even if your mattress isn’t uncomfortable per say, an old bed can wreak havoc on your body after a while. It might feel frivolous to invest in something like a soft mattress topper, or even a new bed altogether, but this will help keep soreness and joint pain to a minimum. A comfortable bed means a deep, satisfying sleep.
Temperature Regulation
Trucking can carry you across the country in a matter of days, which means you could experience unpredictable weather patterns and changes in temperature. To be prepared for anything, it’s best to always carry a portable fan as well as blankets or even an electric heater. Stable cab temperatures can keep you asleep throughout the night, so that you don’t wake up freezing or covered in sweat.