Glastonbury Festival's Rest Challenge: Expert Offers 5 Strategies for Improved Slumber at the Fest
Get Your Festival ZZZs: A Guide to Restful Sleep Amidst the Music and Crowds
Music festivals like Glastonbury, with an annual attendance of around 6.5 million UK residents, can be exhilarating experiences. But for many attendees, the dreams of a restful sleep are often disrupted by the crowd, noise, and less-than-comfortable sleeping arrangements. Sleep expert Dr Deborah Lee from Doctor Fox partners with Bed Factory Direct to offer some practical tips to ensure festivalgoers rise refreshed and ready to dive into the music.
Embrace the Comfort of Air Beds
A supportive sleeping surface can make a world of difference when it comes to getting a good night's rest. Ditch the traditional sleeping bag and opt for an air bed instead. As Dr Lee advises, "A bit of extra room for a blow-up air bed is worth it when it comes to getting much-needed support for your body."
Block Out the Noise with Earplugs and Eye Masks
Late-night revelers and snoring campmates can make sleep elusive, while early sunrises in the summer may disrupt rest in thin tents. From earplugs that help block out noise to an eye mask that shields you from blaring festival lights, these tools can make a significant difference in sleep quality.
Develop a Nightly Ritual
Familiarity is key when it comes to winding down, even in less-than-ideal sleeping situations. Mimic your usual sleep routine by investing in comfortable pajamas, taking a moment to brush your teeth, and kicking back to relax before bed. This small gesture can help signal your brain that it's time to rest and block out the reality that you're in an unfamiliar environment.
Master the Art of Temperature Control
Night-time temperatures at UK festivals can plummet to around 10°C, while the optimal sleep temperature lies at approximately 17°C. Dress in layers, pack thermal blankets, and invest in moisture-wicking base layers to maintain a comfortable body temperature throughout the night.
Choose Your Campsite Wisely
Location can make all the difference when it comes to getting a good night's sleep. Avoid pitching near main stages, toilets, or busy walkways, as these areas are likely to face more noise and disruptions. By selecting a quieter spot and positioning your tent carefully, you can greatly reduce sleep interruptions.
These strategies, supported by research on the impact of rest on physical and mental well-being, will help you wake refreshed and ready to tackle the music and atmosphere without feeling drained by exhaustion. As Glastonbury prepares to welcome over 210,000 people in 2025, it's essential to plan ahead and prioritize your sleep to fully enjoy the festival experience.
- Following Dr Deborah Lee's advice from Doctor Fox, using air beds can provide a supportive sleeping surface to enhance well-being during music festival sleep, as they offer much-needed support for the body.
- To maximize health-and-wellness outcomes while camping at music festivals, consider using a combination of earplugs and eye masks to shield against noise and bright lights, ensuring a restful sleep amidst the crowds.
