Camping for bad sleepers?

MINCTbw

I "enjoy camping" in most senses, and most of my holidays are to pursue outdoor activities of one kind of another... but I have serious difficulty sleeping and staying asleep at the best of times, and when in a tent it's nearly impossible.

I'm not young but not too old for tents altogether, and I'm sure there must be some "sleeping system" (other than a full mattress on the roof rack) which would work for me?

I can't get on with sleeping bags, they get all tangled and I can't settle. No roll mat or airbed stops me from getting dead limbs, and popup camping beds are very awkward as well. I use earplugs and an eyemask, of course.

Does anyone have any ideas? I truly can't afford the going rates for BnB's or cottages in the kind of areas I want to go (Peaks, Snowdonia, Lakes, etc) and I am perfectly happy with camping in all ways except for this. Poor sleep ruins everything, there must be a solution! Anything which will fit in an estate car will be considered.

One idea given already is to take a rolled up futon mattress, which I haven't acquired or tried.


Many thanks,

kerri_gt

I have no idea how the costs compare to B&Bs etc but have you looked at Glamping sites for a proper bed in a tent?

PasturesNew

I'd sleep in the car with one of the more modern "inflatable mattresses" rather than those termed an airbed. Inflatable mattresses give a flatter surface.

Or .... do it in style https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Romini-compact-caravan-2-berth/202386085160

hcb42

I sleep on a double height airbed and take my duvet and pillows!

pogofish

I think a caravanner has just been born..!

Flugelhorn

the aerobed inflatable mattresses are much more like a proper mattress

Gehngus

A zed bed (cube bed I think if it's a single).
If you have the room they are good to sleep on.

arbroath_lass

I have a fishing campbed - very comfortable and use a fitted sheet and duvet with it.

Norman_Castle

I use a 30mm self inflating mattress and two foam roll mats. Very comfortable, often sleeping better than when at home. A decent small foam pillow also helps. I hate airbeds, cold and uncomfortable.
A large rectangular sleeping bag might be less prone to wrapping itself around you and give you more room to move.

Would a memory foam mattress topper be an option? Sometimes offered on freecycle or a large self inflating mattress, about £60 but 4 inches deep and wider than normal.


Example https://www.worldofcamping.co.uk/vango-comfort-10-grande-self-inflating-mat

knightstyle

We used an air mattress with an Ikea mattress topper on it for many years, we also use two duvets, one winter one summer and have one under and one on top depending on the weather. Very comfortable nights sleep.