9 Easy Tips On How to Sleep Comfortably in the Front Seat of a Car

Do you ever find yourself needing to catch some zzz’s on a long road trip or overnight between destinations? If you’re limited on space and are wondering how to sleep comfortably in the front seat of a car, then these tips are sure to give you some ideas.

There have been many times when I would be on a long road trip and thought I could just drive straight through.

I would even blast my music with the windows down to stay awake longer, but at some point, it was time to pull over. Even for just a quick power nap.

Sleeping in a car can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable experience. With some preparation and simple tips, you can transform your front seat into a decent sleeping space. 

Getting proper rest is important even when you’re on the go. You want to stay energized, focused, alert and take frequent breaks when behind the wheel as much as possible.

So, how can you sleep in the front seat of your car comfortably? Let’s take a look.

How To Sleep Comfortably In the Front Seat of a Car

Here are some tips that have personally worked for me when traveling long distances when I didn’t want to spend the cash on a hotel.

1. Park Smartly 

Where you park your car is one of the most important tips on this list, not only for the quality of your sleep but also for safety reasons. It’s necessary to find a safe, level, and well-lit area to comfortably spend the night, avoiding sketchy places and uneven ground as much as possible.

Here’s a list of some places I have successfully parked and slept with little to no issues:

• Rest Areas: While not recommended for long sleep durations, rest areas can be a great place to take a quick nap, grab a snack from the vending machine, and use the restroom before continuing your trip. I once took a 45-minute nap at a quiet rest area in Flagstaff, AZ, and that 45 minutes alone made all of the difference in giving me the energy to keep driving safely for the rest of the trip.
• Truck Stops: Known for their variety of amenities, truck stops can be a great choice for getting some sleep during a road trip. Many truck stops are well-lit, open 24 hours, and have access to bathrooms, food, and even showers if you are looking to freshen up. 
• Parking Garages: These can be a hit or miss, but if you know of or have access to a parking garage, especially one that has very little activity, it can be a safe and quiet alternative to street parking (which I don’t recommend).  
• 24-Hour Store Parking Lots: Ask the business owner or check for signs permitting overnight parking first before assuming that they will let you park in their lot. While some Walmarts still offer overnight parking, many of them have been opting out in recent years. I’ve found that a simple inquiry to the manager can make a big difference in whether or not they will allow you to stay there.

Additionally, you will want to position yourself under a light for visibility and security. Be sure to lock your doors and make sure you feel comfortable with your parking spot! You will find it much easier to fall asleep.

Tip: Scope out potential safety zones along your route in advance to get familiar with places where you can safely park your car for the night.

2. Adjust Your Seat Back 

The first step to sleeping in a car is to recline the seat as much as possible. Most front seats have levers or buttons to adjust the angle of the backrest. 

Set the seat in the furthest reclined position to open up space and get your body closer to a flat sleeping position. This takes the pressure off your lower back and prevents tweaking your spine.

You likely won’t be able to get the seat fully flat, but the more reclined the better. Avoid pushing back too forcefully on the seat itself. You don’t want to damage it.

3. Support Your Neck 

One of the biggest problems about sleeping upright in a car seat is head and neck strain. Your head ends up slumped forward or to the side, putting pressure on muscles and vertebrae that can lead to days of pain issues. 

To prevent discomfort, bring a specialized neck pillow or roll up a sweatshirt to place behind your neck to help support your head. I can’t count how many times I’ve rolled up clothes to use as pillows. Hey, they work in a pinch! 

Having this type of support keeps your head upright while you sleep. Your chin should be tilted slightly inward, but not down. This will reduce the chances of waking up with neck stiffness or soreness. Choose a pillow that contours to the back of your head or prop one under your shoulder for more stability.

4. Get Comfortable With Blankets

Now that your seat is reclined and your neck supported, focus on getting comfy. Bring blankets or a sleeping bag and a small pillow from home or purchase a compact travel blanket. 

Whatever you choose, this layer of padding makes a huge difference in comfort while you sleep in your car. The blankets regulate temperature, provide cushion between your body and the hard surfaces of the car, and simply feel more homey.

If you need padding behind your lower back, roll up an extra sweatshirt. This can even help with lower back support while driving.

Getting the seat, neck, and back arranged just right takes some adjustment to find your optimal sleeping position. Everyone’s different so take your time getting situated before you recline back.

5. Block Out Light 

One of the more difficult parts of sleeping in a vehicle is blocking out light. Street lights, 24-hour business signs, and even moonlight can make sleeping a challenge. Bring a sleep mask or drape an extra shirt over your eyes to create darkness. Don’t worry about looking silly, it makes a world of difference in telling your brain it’s time for bed. Alternatively, you can also use a sunshade if snoozing during the day to help block out extra light and heat.

If ambient noise like traffic or loud neighbors is an issue, carry a comfortable pair of earplugs with you. Combining an eye mask and earplugs helps create better sleeping conditions.

Make sure you set an alarm if needed so you don’t snooze too heavily through sounds in the morning. Achieving utter darkness and silence will have you sleeping like a baby.

6. Crack the Windows

While an eye mask and earplugs limit sensory input, you still need fresh air. Crack the windows a couple of inches to allow air circulation. This prevents it from getting stuffy overnight when the vehicle is sealed. Open windows also help regulate temperature so you don’t get too hot or cold, especially if you wake up after the sun rises and quickly raises the temperatures in your car.

Don’t open windows too far for both safety and temperature. You want some airflow but try to avoid being exposed to outside weather and noise. Test different windows cracked to find the right balance of ventilation. Even just a slight opening makes a big difference in your comfort.

7. Clear Out Your Space

Look around the front seat and floor before reclining back. Remove trash and any other clutter that takes up space. The more room you have to stretch out, the more you can position yourself comfortably in your car. Believe me, there’s nothing worse than being wedged into a cramped position or having a water bottle dig into your back all night. 

Ideally, you want to extend your legs fully and not feel too squished. Take a moment to organize your surroundings for maximum openness and sleeping space. If the front of your car is too cluttered, consider keeping everything you don’t need for the night in the back seat or trunk.

Fold Down the Steering Wheel

Most modern cars usually have levers or buttons to tilt the steering wheel up and down. Lower your wheel fully to create even more space to maneuver your body. This also eliminates the risk of accidentally honking the horn if you flail in your sleep. Nothing shocks you awake faster!

If you can’t find the steering wheel lever, check your vehicle owner’s manual. The ability to fold the wheel down isn’t always necessary, but this small adjustment goes a long way in opening up valuable real estate when space is tight.

Just be sure to raise it back up before driving off in the morning.

8. Try Different Angles

Finding the perfect sleep position is all about trial and error. See what feels most natural and neutral for YOUR body. Do you prefer sleeping turned towards the inside of the car or leaning on the window and door? What pillow placement gives you the best spine support?

Experiment with different angles and positions. You might be fine sleeping upright, while some prefer tilting left or right. I prefer tilted to the left with a small pillow if I need to sleep more upright. You may be different. Do what works for you!

Get to know your preferences so you can recreate them. An ideal position minimizes strain on your neck, back, and joints. It may take a few nights to get it just right, but eventually, you’ll find the sweet spot.

9. Limit Liquids 

One final tip is to limit your fluid intake in the hours before bedtime. You don’t want to be forced out of your cozy sleeping spot for frequent bathroom runs. But do stay properly hydrated, especially on long drives.

Avoid caffeine drinks close to bed, as they can easily disrupt your sleep quality.

Conclusion

If you take time to prepare your route and experiment with the right gear for your space, you can absolutely achieve decent sleep in your car’s front seat.