WHERE
I LAY MY
HEAD
It ’ s an often-overlooked piece of kit , many a motorcycle traveller will spend the equivalent of a developing nations Gross Domestic Product on gizmo ’ s and seemingly useless devices for their bikes yet will willing forego quality sleeping gear to save a few dollars .
A good nights sleep is essential , for anyone , providing a time for your body and mind to recover from a days activity and prepare for the coming day . Sleep is important in good health , wellbeing , and mental recovery . Sleep helps with healthy brain function and without good sleep , or a deficiency , the flow on effects can be catastrophic , including micro sleeps at inappropriate times , right through to ongoing impacts to health through chronic illnesses .
Studies have shown that sleep helps with learning and problem-solving skills , it helps with how you react to others and make decisions . Sleep deprivation is also said to be a major contributor to mental illness . It ’ s therefore astounding that many motorcycle travellers not only don ’ t get enough sleep , they don ’ t get quality sleep .
On the road it is often hard to meet all the requirements to a good nights sleep however , what we can control should be controlled .
Free , roadside , or rough camping , call it what you will but in a tent , there are several things that can be done that will help with a sleep that is not only deep but also regenerative . As motorcyclists we already spend a lot of time outdoors , and are physically active , two key components to obtaining correct sleep . Sleeping in a tent also helps ; quiet , cool , and dark . Perfect , but what about how we sleep and the equipment we use ?
There ’ s a multitude of equipment , for sleeping , on the market . Everything from cheap generic camping gear found at many major international supermarket chains right through to specialised equipment only found at hiking , mountaineering , or adventure stores . All help with sleep , some better than others .
From the ground up , the first thing to look at is a sleeping pad or mattress . This can be a minefield and there can be so many different things to consider , comfort , warmth , size , and expense .
A quality sleeping pad should offer cushioning as well
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