How To Get a Good Night's Sleep in Your Car

Pick a good spot to snooze, meaning one that is relatively safe and that limits your risk of being hassled by the police or anyone else. Highway rest stops are good during the day, when many people pull over to catch a few Z’s.

Park the car with the morning in mind. If you want to be up with the roosters and don’t have anything blocking out the sunlight, park facing east, where the sun rises. Otherwise, face your car west.

Find a restroom to use before you settle in for the night. You don’t want to have to answer the call of nature when you’re bedded down in your car.

Put your blackout curtains on the tension rod and secure it between the driver’s side and front passenger windows to block the view through the windshield.

Arrange your bedding into a cozy sleeping space. Adjust the seats to give you the most room, and tuck any seat belts you can into the cushions, so they don’t poke you.

Change into something that’s as soft and unrestrictive as pajamas, yet socially acceptable to wear in public. A sweat suit and thick gym socks is a good choice.

If it’s cool outside, put on a wool cap and socks to preserve body heat. If it’s hot, wet a t-shirt, some wristbands and a bandanna with ice water and wear them to “bed.”

Keep your cellphone nearby just in case. Sweet dreams!