How to Sleep on an Overnight School Trip

Last Updated: March 10, 2023

Overnight school trips are great. You can go many different places, such as a historical area, a large city, or even to a camp. However, at the same time, they can be very nerve-wracking. One of the biggest obstacles is the sleeping arrangements, as you do not have the same luxuries as you do at home. Follow these steps to get the best sleep you can there.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Packing Correctly

1
Pack suitable pyjamas, preferably the most comfortable pyjamas you have. Check the forecasted temperature beforehand so that you know what it will be like at the location of the trip. If you are unable to find out the forecasted temperature for any reason, pack long, cotton pyjamas, so you won't get too cold or too hot.
- If you don't usually sleep in pyjamas and you don't have time to buy any, your best bet is to pack an oversized T-shirt.
2
Pack necessary toiletries. This is important because if you’re missing something that isn’t provided, then you’ll likely be out of luck if you need it. Pack things such as:
- Sanitary products (if needed)
- Soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Your everyday face wash
- Anything else you know likely won’t be provided for you.
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3
Pack what you need for your bedtime routine. You should pack what you normally have that maybe isn't essential but can help you sleep better, e.g.; lavender hand cream, a book, or earplugs.
- Don't be afraid to pack your favorite stuffed animal. Plenty of people do, but most people prefer not to confess to it. If you feel you can't get to sleep without bringing them along, then bring them. You can always hide them away if you feel uncomfortable with others seeing them or you can put the cuddly toy underneath your blanket or pillow.
4
Know where you will be sleeping and pack accordingly. You will most likely have been told where you will be sleeping. You may be camping in a park, sleeping in cabins, or utilizing a big hall. Know what will be supplied to you. If there already are beds and bedding provided for you, don't bother bringing any. If you are expected to bring your own sleeping bag and sleeping mat, then bring it. The last thing you want is to arrive there and find out you have nowhere to sleep.
5
Avoid being afraid to ask the leader of the trip any questions. They are hardly going to leave you in the dark over what is happening or what you’ll need for the trip. If you are unsure of what to bring or what the bedtime routines will be, then just ask.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Knowing What to Do When You're There

1
Pick where to sleep. Negotiate with other people in the room or tent and plan where you'll all sleep depending on where you sleep best. Try your hardest to not fall out with anyone in your group because of this. This can cause unwanted drama. If you hate the dark, sleep by a window. Decide who you are all bunking or tenting with if you have not already.
- Share a bunk bed or tent with somebody you are comfortable with and make sure this person has agreed to do so.
- If you have bunks, choose the top bunk if you don’t mind sleeping up high or the bottom bunk if you’d prefer to be closer to the ground.
- If you are camping, pitch your tent on level ground and in an appropriate location where you feel that the members of your sleeping party will be most comfortable.
2
Keep yourself active during the day. The more active you are during the day, the more sleepy you will be at night. Contribute to all activities which require exercising, and don't be a spoilsport and sit out. You might only have this one chance to do more than half of the activities provided.
- You will enjoy yourself, and it will pay off. Remember - memories are very important.
3
Make sure you are as clean as you can be before bedtime. This is important, as you may be dirty or sweaty after some activities you do. If possible, take a shower. Brush your teeth, brush your hair, apply any moisturisers you normally put on, and put on a clean pair of underwear. The cleaner you feel before bedtime, the better you'll sleep.
4
Avoid snacking before bed. If you are allowed to have snacks, pick healthy ones. Don't pick something with a lot of caffeine in it. Your best bet is to try having some wholemeal toast or a banana.
5
Make sure your room or tent is clean. Pick up any clutter off the ground before you go to bed, as you or someone else might trip and fall if they need to get up for anything during the night. It is also an unpleasant feeling to wake up with clutter everywhere.
6
Know when you are expected to wake up. If you know when you are meant to wake up, it can give you an idea of when to go to sleep. An average teen is expected to have at least 9¼ hours of sleep.
7
Keep your mind relaxed before bedtime. Don't jump around and get too hyper. Have a quiet discussion with your roommates or tentmates, or read a book if you brought one. Do not lock yourself away from your companions as this can look as if you are bored or in a mood with them.
8
Spend your free time in the day away from your bed or sleeping bag. In the daytime, you can be as hyper as you want, as long as you aren't disruptive. Instead of hanging around in your bed or sleeping bag, run around on a playing field with your friends. You may as well as use the time wisely since during the night, you are stuck to being in your room or tent.
9
Be prepared for the next day. Know what you are doing the next day and make sure you are ready for it. Take out your outfit for the next day and keep a plastic bag of everything you will need e.g. your swimsuit, a change of clothes, a pack of plasters.
10
Make sure you are prepared for the night. Fill a reusable bottle of water. Use the restroom or pee by a tree before going in for the night. Attach your watch to the pole of your bed or keep it on your wrist in case you wake up in the night and want to know the time. These things will help to ensure that you do not wake up friends in the middle of the night.
11
Try and go to sleep as soon as the lights are turned off. Don't have a long chat with the people in your room or tent; they need to go to sleep just as much as you do. A small chat is okay, because of course you would like to, but beware of the time and try to limit the talk for just a few minutes. If you need to pee during the night, try to be as quick and as quiet as possible. (Special rules may be needed for females camping in a tent.)
12
Think calming thoughts. Feel free to think about what you will do tomorrow but don't get too excited, as this will prevent you from falling asleep. Keep your brain relaxed as you sleep and don't think heavy thoughts.
13
Try your best to imagine you are going to sleep at home in your own nice comfy bed. It will help you feel less homesick, and it’ll most likely help you go to sleep faster. This will make it seem like a daily thing and not as interesting.
14
Make sure you are comfortable. Find a comfortable position and stick with it. Moving around can stop you and others from sleeping, especially if your beds are very creaky or your sleeping bags are close together in the tent.

Community Q&A

Question

I usually sleep naked, would I be allowed to sleep naked or at least in underwear?

Community Answer

You will have to be in at least underwear as you're sleeping in public and it is not appropriate to expose your nudity to unsuspecting people. Realize that everyone has different standards relating to nudity and when in public, it's just safest to be modest and covered sufficiently to avoid offending others.

Warnings

Make sure you know exactly what you can and cannot bring. Bringing something that is prohibited could get you into trouble.

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If you think you're not getting to sleep because you are unwell for any reason, speak to your chaperone as soon as possible.

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