With Reading festival taking place this bank holiday weekend, thousands of festival fans are flocking to the borough to see their favourite artists and musicians perform live.
And whilst there may be a buzz in the air for the summer nights and jam-packed days, often, festival goers forget about how their sleep schedule may be affected. With this in mind, Mattress Online has compiled their top tricks and insight to get you through several nights of events without the feeling of regret the next day.
The experts at Mattress Online said: “Sleep preparation begins before you stumble into the sack, and given you won’t be thinking about winding down for bed while you’re at the event, it can be handy to sort anything you might need beforehand to make drifting off that little bit easier and give yourself peace of mind during the days events.”
Here are five tips to help you prepare for as restful a night’s sleep as possible so you can be physically and mentally prepared for all the festival has to offer.
Prepare personal items
Before heading out for the day’s events, prepare any essential items you may need when you come back to your home for the night. Things such as makeup remover, skincare items, and a mirror are key to ensure your skin stays glowing across the festival period.
Remember to also make sure your sleepwear is ready, your makeshift bed is built for maximum comfort and consider taking a magnesium supplement to help drift off.
Toiletries to keep fresh
One problem festival goers often come across is the lack of toiletries provided, and with the high number of people attending festivals, it is likely that the porta-loos will run out of toilet roll pretty quickly. Ensuring you have extra is key to avoid the early wake up call for first dibs on the new toiletries provided each morning.
It is also important to be sure to pack some easy to use hygiene items such as deodorant, wipes and dry shampoo to keep yourself feeling fresh before settling down for the night in the event that no showers are available. Going to bed feeling clean can increase the likelihood of a deeper sleep whilst cutting down time spent getting ready the next morning.
Hydration is key
Festivals are filled with a variety of drink options from stills to spirits and beers but with a boozy weekend comes the dreaded hangover. To avoid a pounding head, taking electrolytes when the day begins as well as at the end of the night will help revitalise and rehydrate you, as well as give you a more comfortable night’s sleep.
Picking your pitch
Your environment will play a massive role in your sleep quality at a festival. To enjoy a good night’s rest, be strategic about where to pitch your tent. Opt for flat, dry ground that’s situated far enough from the hustle and bustle but near enough to any essential amenities like toilets. If it is expected to be a warm weekend, try and look for a shady spot to help keep your tent cool and promote better sleep.
Sleeping on the ground is not only uncomfortable but provides little support to your back and neck so maybe invest in an air mattress, comfy sleeping bag and blankets for insulation to experience a prime festival sleeping experience.
Morning Organisation
Having a stacked itinerary can prompt anxiety at night if you have had a late evening. Take some time during the day to decide your plan for the next day, prepare your outfits, snacks and essential items, to ease anxiety and save rushing around in the morning searching your tent. This will also give you time to catch some extra sleep before heading out for another music-filled day. Prioritise your diet and fuel your body with balanced, high-protein, non-perishable food items that you can eat on the go, and give you a more consistent, deeper sleep, so you can recover for the next day.
Are you heading to Reading Festival this bank holiday? Don’t forget to tag us in your photos and videos, we love to see them.
