Sleeping in car accessories

Children aside, most people don’t have the most luck sleeping in a car. But on long road trips, sometimes the best thing you can do is pull over for some shut-eye or learn how to rest comfortably if you’re riding shotgun.

We tapped a few sleep and travel experts for guidance on how to sleep in the car as safely and comfortably as possible — find our tips below.

Tips for Sleeping in a Car During a Road Trip

Sleeping can be a great way to pass the hours on a long road trip, and for passengers, it often comes down to managing comfort, light, temperature, and noise.

That may be easier said than done, but it’s not impossible. Here’s what to keep in mind.

Safety First

It may be more comfortable to recline your seat, but don’t do it.

Is it safe to sleep in a car with the engine off

Research shows that fully-reclined seats have the highest mortality risk. Sitting in a reclined seat is also associated with severe injuries to the lumbar spine and internal organs in the event of an accident.

Another safety tip?

“Have a good driver,” says Chris Winter, MD, sleep specialist and

is it bad to sleep in a car overnight