Small changes, big comfort on the road
Ask any seasoned vanlifer about the most underrated part of a great trip and they’ll tell you: sleep. It might not be the first thing you think of when you plan an adventure, but it can make or break your experience. Waking up feeling refreshed means you’re ready to hit the trail, tackle a long drive, or simply soak in the views with a smile. But getting quality sleep in a campervan isn’t just about lying down and closing your eyes. It’s about creating an environment that promotes comfort, calm, and rest – even when you’re parked by a cliff edge or in a busy national park.
Here at Spartan Campers, we build every van with sleep in mind. As campers ourselves, we know that a solid night’s sleep is what powers your next day of exploring. So let’s dive into our top tips – and our favourite secret hint – to help you sleep soundly, wherever your wheels take you.
Comfort Is Key: Don’t Skimp on Bedding
This might sound obvious, but investing in decent bedding transforms your van from a vehicle into a proper home-from-home. The first upgrade we always recommend is a high-quality mattress topper. Many campervan beds are firm by design, and a good topper adds just enough softness to make things dreamy. Memory foam is a popular option, moulding to your body while providing great support.
You’ll also want proper duvets or sleeping bags suited to the season. In summer, a lightweight, breathable quilt can help you sleep cooler. In winter? Go for a 3- or 4-season sleeping bag or bring layered throws you can pile on as needed.
And let’s not forget pillows – don’t just grab a few old ones from the house. Get yourself some supportive ones that suit how you sleep, whether that’s on your back, side or stomach. Your neck will thank you later.
Block the Light, Block the Noise
Light is one of the biggest disruptors of sleep, especially in summer when the sun rises early and sets late. One of the easiest ways to improve your sleep in a campervan is to install blackout thermal blinds. Not only do they keep the light out, they help regulate the temperature and offer privacy too.
At Spartan Campers, our conversions include thermal blackout blinds that clip directly into the window recesses. They’re easy to fit, easy to store, and incredibly effective – a small upgrade that makes a big difference.
If you’re particularly light-sensitive, it’s worth keeping an eye mask in your sleep kit too. Combined with earplugs (or white noise through a mobile app), you can create a mini sleep sanctuary even in busy or unfamiliar surroundings.
Choose the Right Overnight Spot
Where you park can have a massive impact on how well you sleep. Our Spartan hint? Arrive before sunset whenever possible. That way, you’ve got time to assess the area, level up the van, and get a sense of how noisy or exposed it might be.
Look for level, quiet pitches with some shelter from wind or light. If wild camping, steer clear of laybys or roads with night traffic. Apps like Park4Night and SearchForSites are gold mines for finding quiet, safe places recommended by fellow campers.
Many of our customers swear by rural spots, forest edges, or coastal lay-bys – somewhere with the soothing background of rustling trees or gentle waves. If you’re sensitive to sound, try to avoid places with a high likelihood of footfall or late-night gatherings (like pub car parks or beach fronts during the holidays).
Mind the Temperature
Temperature regulation is one of the trickiest parts of campervan sleep, especially in the UK’s ever-changing weather. In cooler months, layer up. Wear thermal socks and consider using a hot water bottle or even a heated blanket if you’ve got hook-up power. In warmer seasons, keep airflow going with roof vents or slightly open windows, protected with fly screens to avoid the mozzies.
Spartan vans are fully insulated for year-round comfort, but temperature can still vary depending on location and time of year. That’s why we always recommend bringing layers – both for bedding and sleepwear – so you can adjust as the night goes on.
Create a Calming Routine
Just like at home, winding down properly helps signal to your body that it’s time to sleep. A short evening routine – like brushing your teeth, changing into sleep clothes, or reading a book for ten minutes – can help your mind shift out of ‘travel mode’.
A cup of herbal tea, some quiet music, or a quick bit of journaling can help relax your mind and settle you into the rhythm of campervan life. Avoid screens if you can, as blue light can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Some of our customers even use essential oils like lavender in mini diffusers or rollers to bring a spa-like calm to their evening wind-down. Small details, big results.
Keep the Clutter Down
Visual clutter equals mental clutter. Keeping your campervan tidy – especially around your bed space – makes a surprisingly big difference to your state of mind. Use the storage areas under the bed, in wall pockets, or in overhead compartments to tuck things away at night. You’ll sleep better when everything is in its place.
Our Secret Spartan Hint: Ambient Lighting
One of our favourite hacks? Soft, ambient lighting in the evening. Many Spartan builds include warm LED strip lighting that can be dimmed for a soft glow. It helps preserve that cosy feeling and gently prepares you for rest. If your van doesn’t have built-in ambient lights, consider battery-operated string lights or a dimmable lantern. Harsh overhead lights can be jarring when you’re trying to wind down, so creating a gentle lighting scheme can work wonders.
Hear from a Spartan Owner
Take it from Nick and Jo, part of the Spartan Family. “Our sleep routine changed completely after we added a mattress topper and blackout blinds,” says Jo. “We’re both light sleepers, and now we wake up refreshed – even when we’re parked on a cliff in Wales or in a busy Lake District campsite. It’s the best upgrade we ever made to our van.”
Sleep isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. And in your campervan, with a few smart tweaks, it can be just as good as at home (or even better, with the view!). Whether you’re adding a mattress topper, investing in blackout blinds, or finding your perfect overnight spot, the key is consistency and comfort.
At Spartan Campers, we build vans designed for real life – and real sleep. So next time you head out, take a little extra care to set yourself up for a great night’s rest. Because when you sleep well, everything else falls into place.
