How to Sleep in Your Car Comfortably

Whatever the situation may be, sometimes one must sleep in the car for the night. If you've ever done it, then you know that it's a less than an ideal arrangement. Here's how to make the most of sleeping in your vehicle.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Blanket
• Pillow
• Comfy Clothes

1. Plan for the possibility of this happening. Keep supplies for sleeping in your car in the trunk.

2. 
   http://www.singersoutdoors.co.uk/pages/ximages/gelert_hebog_sleeping_bag_l.jpg

   Be sure to have: A pillow, a blanket, comfortable clothes. Tuck them away in the back of your trunk in a trash bag or somewhere else where they won't be a hassle to have around. A sleeping bag would also suffice. It's much better to have them and not need them than the other way around.

3. Give in to the situation. NEVER drive drunk and avoid driving around when you are very tired. The sooner you accept that you're sleeping in the car the better.

4. Determine your best position to sleep in. Sadly, if you drive a sedan, you have only two real options here. If you can sleep lying on your back in a semi-sitting position, then your best bet is to lie in the front passenger seat (this seat has more room than the driver's side, wrap yourself in a blanket and recline. If you can sleep in the fetal position (depending on your height) you will be most comfortable lying across the back seat.

5. 
   http://www.familycar.com/RoadTests/Chrysler300M/99-300M/images/TrunkAccess.JPG

   If you have trunk access you may be in luck. Many sedans have a feature that folds the support of the backseat forward, allowing access to the trunk. These openings vary in size, but many are large enough to fit a torso in. Set up your pillow on the folded part of the access "door" and sleep with your body in the trunk. This provides the most room by far and also allows for sleeping completely prone, sprawled out, on your back or stomach.

6. Find a location. It is legal to sleep in your car in a public area. You want somewhere well-lit for your safety, but not where people are going to be poking around and looking in to see you asleep. Although it is technically illegal, store parking lots are probably the safest bet.

7. 
   http://image04.webshots.com/4/1/28/40/107812840XBhDWb_fs.jpg

   Make sure the car is completely off, at least one window open slightly, and the doors LOCKED. Good Luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Sleeping in the trunk provides a nook to retreat into when the sun comes up. Otherwise, think about having an article of clothing nearby to shield your face/eyes from the bright sun in the morning so you can keep sleeping.
• Sleeping in your car puts you in a vulnerable position. Think safety first.