There’s nothing like the ease of hopping in an RV to travel anywhere you’d like to go. You don’t have to worry about making hotel reservations if you don’t want to. You can comfortably sleep securely and safely in your van. Even though you don’t have to worry about hotel fees and room service fees, you still want to invest a good amount of money into the sleeping quarters of your van. Consider some of the key reasons why a quality mattress is important for van life.
IMAGE CREDIT: Photo by gya den
1. Spinal Alignment
Spinal alignment is important because your spine anchors everything. If your spine isn’t alignment as you rest, this forces your muscles and other body parts to work harder. This leads to straining. When your body is strained for prolonged periods of time on a consistent basis, this leads to chronic pain, discomfort, and more.
2. Comfort
A quality mattress provides a safe space for deep sleep to occur. This is primarily because comfort is paramount to getting deep sleep. When you’re uncomfortable, this makes sleeping almost impossible. The comfort level will depend on the person and the type of mattress they need. Some people need a firm mattress in order to feel comfortable. Others need a really soft mattress. For those with chronic pain, the best RV mattress might look and feel different than the one they sleep with at home. However, a quality mattress that prioritizes comfort is paramount for van life. If there’s anywhere a person needs to feel the most comfortable, it should be their bed.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
When a person gets between seven to nine hours of quality sleep, this directly impacts their waking hours. This is because sleep is such a restorative and regenerative process. When an individual wants to lose weight, they can’t just focus on caloric intake and exercise. Sleep is an important part of the process because it restores the body’s ability to function at its highest capacity. When you’re driving around in a van, you need all of your strength and facilities to function at peak performance. An excellent mattress provides the rest your need as you restore your body’s ability to thrive during the van trips.
4. Mental Health
A lack of sleep is deeply detrimental to one’s overall mental health. When you don’t feel well-rested, it’s much harder to focus and feel good. Depression and anxiety are often connected to a lack of sleep. When it’s time to sleep, you’ll spend the entire time on the surface of your choice. Whether it’s a bed, a cot, or a couch, it needs to be comfortable. When you’re not getting good sleep, you’re more prone to feelings of grumpiness and irritability. Additionally, you’re more likely to eat unhealthy food in order to get a quick sugar rush. However, that sugar crash tends to make most people feel terrible. There’s no denying the brain-gut connection. Be mindful of your mental health by investing in a mattress that will help your brain and body experience restoration during sleeping hours.
5. Alertness
Many people admit that they don’t sleep as peacefully or as deeply on the road as they do when they’re at home. There’s something about the familiarity of home that provides restful sleep. However, when you’re driving a van, there’s an added pressure of staying alert in order to drive. In order to be alert when it’s your turn to drive, you’ll need to make sure you’re resting when the time comes. A quality mattress will encourage you to sleep better. When you sleep well, it’s easier to maneuver a vehicle with as much alertness as possible.
Conclusion
Sleep is incredibly important. Without it, you won’t be able to function at your best. Additionally, there are many people who try to consume coffee in order to forgo the amount of sleep they’re lacking. This only leads to problems in the long run. Prioritize quality sleep whether you’re on the road or at home. When you make the investment in a great mattress for your van, you’re investing in your well-being. You’re also investing in the increased chance of thoroughly enjoying your time on the road. When you’re able to associate your travels with restful sleep, relaxation, and a good time, you’re going to try and make more of the memories happen. Essentially, a quality mattress turns your van life into your best life.
