You may have heard many campers tell you that they only got a few hours of sleep on their trip. Sure, sleeping in a tent is uncomfortable at first, but when you get the hang of it, you’ll have the best sleep ever! Not only that, your sleeping habits will improve even if you’re back home.

Here are 3 ways camping and the outdoors help improve your sleep!

It resets your circadian rhythm

Many campers say that their sleep quality is better and they experience better sleep cycles upon returning from a camping trip. This is because with the absence of artificial light, electricity and other devices, spending time outdoors resets our biological clock. When you sleep by the sun’s schedule (as you often do at camp), your internal clock is reset which means better function for the body and mind.

Promotes improved moods and de-stressing

Many campers spend a few days in nature to escape the routine of daily life – work, home obligations, bills, life problems and the like. Exposure to fresh air and a healthy amount of sunlight evens out the brain’s melatonin levels, which is the chemical that induces the tired and depressed feeling.

Because of this, your mood will improve and the feeling of stress will melt away almost instantly, leading to better sleep quality. Even for a while, you’ll forget about your problems and obligations and you’ll be able to get a good night’s rest.

When you’re not thinking about too many things, you will have better brain function, too. Remember, a healthy mind breeds a healthy body and vice versa.

Encourages physical activity

At home, most of us are used to a sedentary lifestyle – home, work, then home. At home, it’s just convenient to be on your phone surfing the internet or binge-watching shows on TV. This is not good for the health.

Spending even a few days on a camping trip will help counteract the unhealthy sedentary lifestyle. At the campsite, the act of pitching a tent, gathering firewood and building a campfire alone encourages physical activity. Add that to a day of hiking, backpacking, swimming or even just exploring and your body will be ready for a good night’s rest at the end of the day. Not only that, you’ll surely feel refreshed and recharged when you wake up in the morning!

Here are some amazing ways camping and the outdoors help improve your sleep!