A sleep guru has offered some golden advice for Brits heading to festivals this summer. Festivals aren't typically associated with a good night's sleep, so any wink of sleep you can get is a godsend.
Almost every festival-goer will concede that they'll never achieve a solid eight hours of sleep. With UK temperatures set to remain high, the heat can make sleeping even more challenging.
One downside to the lack of sleep at a festival is the energy slump the following day, so the experts from MattressNextDay have revealed some fool-proof hacks to try out this summer. Simple things like sleeping with your head elevated above your feet are endorsed by sleep gurus, and munching on a specific fruit before hitting the hay, reports Wales Online.
Martin Seeley, sleep guru at MattressNextDay and CEO, shared seven sleep tips for securing a decent kip at a festival, as well as advice to wake up refreshed so you can keep the party alive.
Munch on an orange before bed
Oranges increase melatonin (the sleep hormone) production pretty quickly, making it easier to fall asleep (Getty Images)Fruits brimming with antioxidants and nutrients are a smart and practical way to secure a good night's sleep at a festival, much like oranges. You can easily stash a few oranges in your backpack to tote around with you.
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Munching on an orange before bedtime can help you drift off to sleep faster, thanks to its ability to boost melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Plus, their natural packaging makes them a handy addition to your camping gear, providing a quick and efficient nutrient boost.
Pitch your tent in the best position for sleep
When it comes to pitching your tent, location is key. If you're at a festival like Leeds, Y Not, or even Glastonbury, chances are you'll be setting up on a slope.
MattressNextDay suggests positioning your tent so that your head is higher than your feet. This prevents blood rushing to your head, which could lead to an unpleasant wake-up call and a throbbing headache.
Plus, having your feet lower than your head promotes better blood circulation, leading to a deeper sleep. However, do bear in mind the weather - if rain is forecast, try to pitch your tent as high up the slope as possible to avoid flooding.
Have a power nap
If you find yourself with some downtime and no bands you're keen to see, why not take a 20-minute power nap? Just remember not to snooze for any longer than this.
Napping for any more than 20 minutes will leave you feeling groggy and wanting to sleep more, rather than energised and ready-to-go. The perfect power nap will give you energy to get through the day, even if you're not sleeping enough at night.
To combat that grogginess, MattressNextDay suggested trying a little bit of exercise as soon as you wake up for a few minutes. You'll get your blood pumping and endorphins raised, making you feel energised and ready for a few more hours of partying.
Pitch your tent away from walkways
Try to camp as far away from walkways as possible (Getty Images)It's unlikely that anyone is attending a festival under the impression they'll get the best sleep of their lives. But, if you are planning on sleeping as soon as the main acts end, you should take precautions so you're not constantly being disturbed by those early-hours ravers.
Pitch your tent away from busy walkways or toilets - this might be inconvenient when it comes to having to wade through a sea of tents when you want to get anywhere, but you'll stay out of the way of busy, noisy crowds when you're trying to sleep.
Dance as much as you possibly can
If you've finally got a chance to get some sleep, you don't want to miss your only chance at some rest by laying there buzzing, ready to head back out there. So, dance to your heart's content.
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Whether that's getting caught up in a mosh pit or jumping up and down to your favourite artist, tire yourself out as much as possible. By the time you get back to your tent, your body will be desperate for some restorative shut-eye, so you'll quickly fall into a deep sleep and be less likely to be woken by disturbances through the night.
Drink 300ml of water before bed
Your body needs hydration for proper, restful sleep, so make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day. Staying hydrated will make your sleep come easier, lighten the load of a hangover and create an overall rejuvenating sleep.
A glass of around 300ml of water just before you go to sleep will hydrate your brain and body just enough for a refreshing night's sleep, without waking up for the dreaded portaloos in the night.
Recreate your usual routine
It's unlikely you'll be packing your dehumidifier, favourite blanket and white noise machine for a festival, but you should try to recreate as much of your usual bedtime routine as possible.
Simulating your normal pre-bed habits will signal your brain and body that you're settling down for sleep. While you might be excited and full of adrenaline, starting to brush your teeth, wash your face and put some comfy clothes on will let your brain know that it's sleep time.
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