Staying at a TruckStop? Here's How to Get the Best Night of Sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep while trucking isn’t just about maintaining health. It’s pertinent to be a safe driver, not to mention correlate with the hours of service (HOS) regulations. 

Long hours spent on the road mean that truckers need to consider overnight options. From finding a spacious spot to safety, it can be difficult to get the rest you need.

Luckily, overnight truckstops provide enough space for big rigs, but how can you ensure you’re sleeping right? Use these tips to make bedtime a breeze on your next trucking job.

Become a pro at safety

Cargo theft is a common danger that truckers need to keep in mind when parking overnight. Here’s how to be proactive when it comes to avoiding an attack.

1. Park close to other vehicles

Thieves love to monitor isolated parking lots, especially if the lighting is dim. It’s a good idea to avoid these types of spots and look for an overnight truckstop that is well lit, with many visitors. Park your rig close to other vehicles to lower the risk of theft.

2. Park with an escape plan

If possible, settle in a pull-through-parking space that allows you to drive away quickly in case of an emergency without getting blocked in or needing to stop and reverse. If there are no pull-through-spots available, back your truck into the spot instead.

3. Lock ‘er up!

The last safety tip is one that will make you say “duh”, but it’s also one that we all forget to do from time to time. LOCK YOUR DOORS! You need that extra protection against thieves, not just for your cargo, but for yourself.

Stock up on sleep necessities

Some of us are blessed with the ability to fall asleep anywhere, in mere seconds. But not everyone has that luxury. 

Staying overnight at a truckstop gives you an option to save money and get on the road fast to meet deadlines, but it’s not nearly as comfortable as your warm bed at home. Add in the lights and loud noises, and you might find yourself tossing and turning with frustration.

Come prepared with sleep essentials that can help you catch Zzz’s in no time. Here’s some of our favorites.

• Mattress topper: This helps make a firm mattress feel more comfortable, as if you’ve got a tempurpedic mattress in your truck!
• White noise machine: These special machines emit a sound like TV static on a blank channel. The trick is that this noise drowns out every other noise, slowly lulling you to sleep.
• Sunshade: If you need complete darkness to help you sleep, a sunshade is just what you need to block out lights and the rising sun. 
• Humidifier: If temperature is a factor that affects your sleep, consider bringing a humidifier on the road with you. It will help balance out the amount of humidity in the air to help you feel more comfortable.