
Bring Home the Magic of Outdoor Sleeping (No Backpack Required!)
I’m an avid backpacker and love sleeping outdoors. In fact, I dream of spending more nights sleeping under the stars than under a roof.
There are many benefits to breathing outdoor air. (More on those in a moment.)
But you don’t have to strap on a backpack to get the benefits of outdoor sleeping…
A charming old-school idea is making a surprising comeback in our modern, sleep-deprived world. It’s called a sleeping porch, and it might just be the breath of fresh air your nighttime routine needs.
Picture this: You’re drifting off to sleep on a warm summer night, a gentle breeze caressing your skin, the soft chirping of crickets in the background.
No, you’re not miles deep into the wilderness. You’re on a sleeping porch just steps from your own living room.
Sleeping porches were all the rage in the early 20th century before air conditioning became widespread. These were screened-in areas, often on the second floor, where families would retreat on hot nights to catch cooler breezes and escape the oppressive indoor heat.
This quaint architectural feature might be more relevant than ever in our health-conscious, nature-starved modern world.
A sleeping porch could be your ticket to bringing the benefits of outdoor sleeping home:
- Temperature Regulation: Our bodies are designed to sync with natural temperature fluctuations. Sleeping outdoors (or nearly outdoors) can help regulate your internal thermostat, potentially leading to deeper, more restful sleep.
- Fresh Air: Indoor air can be up to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Breathing fresh air while you sleep can improve your oxygen intake, potentially reducing the risk of headaches and fatigue.
- Circadian Reset: Exposure to natural light patterns can help regulate your body’s internal clock or circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up naturally.
- Mood Elevation: There’s something inherently calming about sleeping closer to nature. The sounds, smells, and feel of the outdoors can reduce stress and improve overall mood.
- Technology Disconnect: A sleeping porch creates a natural barrier between you and indoor distractions like T.V. and smartphones, promoting better sleep hygiene.
Now, I get it. Most of us can’t just add a sleeping porch to our home. But don’t fret. You can still reap some of these same benefits without a major renovation.
If you have a porch or balcony, you can convert it into a temporary sleeping space using screens or a canopy. Add a hammock or outdoor daybed, and you’ll have the perfect spot for occasional outdoor naps.
No porch or balcony? No problem. Simply open your bedroom windows more often to let in fresh air and experience the natural temperature fluctuations.
Now, of course, not everyone can sleep with their windows open, and there are times when outdoor air quality is worse than indoors, like during fire season in the west.
However, incorporating elements of outdoor sleeping into your routine whenever possible is a simple yet powerful step towards getter better rest and rejuvenation.
So, why not crack open a window or step out onto your balcony before bed tonight? You might just find that the resolution to your sleep problems has been waiting just outside your windows all along… no backpack required.
P.S. This “Outdoor” trick eases Alzheimer’s and PROTECTS brain health.

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Is Your Diet ACTUALLY Healthy? Here’s How to Tell
I’ve probably uttered the phrase “healthy diet” when talking to patients, family, and friends more times than I’ve had cups of coffee—and that’s saying something! But I’ll admit it’s not always entirely clear what a healthy diet looks like. What does healthy eating really mean? Let’s take a look… Good news—healthy eating doesn’t mean you...
7 Natural Ways to Tackle Pain Without Pills
On Tuesday, we explored a promising new frontier in pain relief: terpenes, natural compounds found in cannabis (and other plants) that may ease pain without the risks of opioids. That research is still developing. But what if you’re looking for help right now? Good news: You don’t have to wait for a pharmaceutical breakthrough to...
Mailbag: Pinched to Pain Free with Natural Sciatica Solutions
“I have been suffering from sciatic pain in my hip and groin. I try to do exercises to stretch it. But ever since I slipped on the ice and fell on my left hip it seems to be getting worse. Is there any help for this?” -Painfully Pinched Dear Pinched, I understand how frustrating sciatic...
New Cannabis Discovery Could Ease Pain—Without the High
A few years ago, everywhere you turned, someone was talking about CBD. The cannabis extract had exploded in popularity for everything from anxiety to inflammation to joint pain. And while the CBD conversation continues, another cannabis compound is quietly making headlines. One that could—believe it or not—provide relief from all kinds of pain. Without the...
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....