Bring Home the Magic of Outdoor Sleeping (No Backpack Required!)

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted September 5, 2024

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.

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