When you’re on a long trucking journey, you must take the time to park, snooze, and get fully rested for extended driving on the road. As you plan your next big trucking trip, consider some tips to sleep better.
Whether you’re looking for a new semi-truck or need to change your habits, these tips can dramatically change your sleep schedule for the better.
1. Seek Out Sleeper Cab Features
A long-haul sleeper semi is built for sleeping on the road and becomes an essential part of cross-country trips. When you’re shopping for a truck, be on the lookout for a few key details. The first is the length of the bed. If you are a tall person, you do not want to cram your body into a small space.
Your legs will ache, you will not get the best rest, and it could negatively impact your whole trip. Find a sleeper cab with emphasis on the width and length of a bed so you can fit comfortably and sleep well.
You should also consider a sleeper cab with a permanent bed. Some cabs have conversion beds where a table transitions into a bed, but when you are ready to go to sleep, you do not want to constantly worry about transitioning the bed space. The base of a permanent bed will also provide more stability and comfort.
If you drive on your own, you may still consider a sleep cab with bunk beds. A flip down top bunk wouldn’t be an ideal option for sleeping but does provide plenty of extra storage. You can keep bags, clothes, and other items on the top bunk while the bottom bed remains open. When you’re ready to sleep, you can go to bed without delays.
2. Purchase a Mattress
The standard mattresses found in sleeper cabs are often pretty basic designs. Thankfully, many companies offer mattresses made for sleeper cabs. A lot of sizes are comparable to RV mattresses, but you should check the specific dimensions inside your truck before making a purchase.
A thicker mattress will provide more support and comfort. When you have something comfortable to sleep on, you will not have aches and pains from a bad night of sleep. You will drive more comfortably and not have to worry about leg cramps or neck pain.
3. Block Out Light
The driving schedule you follow could lead to different sleep times. In some cases, you may have to sleep during the days or in the afternoons before the sun sets. Use shades and light blockers to help keep all the natural light out of a sleeper cab. Even at night, street lights and head lights can create distractions as you try to sleep.
Some semi-trucks may have shades built in that you can shut when you’re ready to rest. Otherwise, you have the option to hang blackout curtains. Blackout curtains are designed to block out natural light and will provide a dark sleeping area. Our bodies react when exposed to natural light. The exposure will directly impact the circadian rhythm and could result in poor sleep.
Along with blocking out the main source of light from your truck cab, consider covering up small windows with curtains as well.
4. Manage Noise Control
Along with light, another impact on your sleep is excessive noise. At a rest stop alone, you will hear the highway traffic, other trucks starting up, and a random horn or two. Use noise control to help you sleep better and avoid the distractions. If you are constantly woken up while you sleep, you could suffer and feel more tired as you drive.
A battery-powered noise machine can help drown out other noise. For example, you can use white noise or a natural sound like rainfall. When you do use a noise machine, just ensure that your alarm is set at a louder volume so you can still wake up at the time you need to.
5. Use Climate Control Systems
On the extreme end of weather, you can have restless sleep if your cab is too hot or too cold. A proper climate management system will ensure you stay comfortable while on the road. For cold weather, you can not only have heat, but you can also pack a few extra blankets along for the trip.
On hot nights, you can rely on an air conditioner to cool the cab down and provide extra comfort. An auxiliary power unit built into the sleeper cab will typically provide you with the air conditioning so you do not need to run the air from the main engine of the truck.
By having both cooling and heating options, you can find the most comfortable settings for your sleep needs.
For more information on our semi-truck sleeper cabs, contact us at Arrow Truck Sales. We can help you find a truck ideal for your sleeping habits and comfort.