Feeling forgetful? Here’s how sleep impacts memory

Caravan and motorhome holidays are a great way to unwind. But have you ever returned from a trip and found it difficult to remember the name of that beautiful little village you visited, or the café with the world’s best scones? Lack of sleep could be to blame. 

When you’re not sleeping well in your caravan or motorhome, it doesn’t just make the trip less enjoyable in the moment. It also affects your memory, focus, and ability to hold onto those special moments. The truth is you’re heading off to enjoy yourself, not to forget your getaway by the time you get home.  

The Science: How Sleep Affects Your Memory 

Sleep is far more than a nightly shutdown. For adults, a full sleep cycle includes four stages. The first two are light non-REM (NREM) sleep, followed by deep NREM sleep, and then REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. 

• During NREM sleep, your brain filters through what you’ve seen and learned during the day, separating what’s important from what isn’t. 
• During deep NREM sleep you cement these important memories. 
• REM sleep is where most dreaming occurs and helps to process emotional experiences, and it plays a role in memory consolidation. 

Not getting enough sleep disrupts this entire process. In fact, lack of sleep can reduce your ability to absorb new information by up to 40%. It also impacts the hippocampus, the part of the brain involved in forming new memories, making it harder to remember your trips.  

The Importance of Deep Sleep as We Age 

A study by sleep researcher Matthew Walker and colleagues found that adults over 60 had 70% less deep sleep than young adults. Unsurprisingly, this age group also had more difficulty remembering things the following day. 

For those of us enjoying retirement or simply embracing the slower pace of travel later in life, getting a proper night’s sleep on the road shouldn’t be a luxury – it is essential to keeping our minds and bodies healthy.  

Your Caravan Mattress Might Be Holding You Back 

It’s safe to say a lot of standard caravan or motorhome mattresses leave a lot to be desired. They’re often thin, overly firm, or made with materials that trap heat. The result? Restless nights, tossing and turning, and waking up more tired than when you went to bed. 

Upgrading your caravan mattress or motorhome mattress can make an enormous difference. A proper fit, supportive design, and breathable materials help to regulate your temperature and relieve pressure points, encouraging a deeper, more restorative sleep. 

If a full replacement isn’t on the cards just yet, it is worth considering a caravan mattress topper or motorhome mattress topper to add comfort, and support to a worn or uncomfortable caravan mattress. 

Good quality caravan bedding and motorhome bedding can also improve your sleep environment. Prioritise natural fibres, like cotton, that wick moisture and allow airflow, to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. 

Tips for Sleeping Better While Travelling in Your Caravan or Motorhome 

Whether you’re in a campervan in Cornwall or a motorhome in the Scottish Highlands or even at home, these simple changes can help improve your sleep – and your memory. 

1. Optimise Your Caravan Sleep Environment 

• Keep your space dark and quiet. Use blackout blinds or an eye mask and consider earplugs if you’re parked on a busy site. 
• Maintain a cool temperature. Around 16 to 19°C is ideal. Breathable bedding and a mattress with natural fillings can help you avoid overheating. 

2. Stick to a Routine 

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even when you’re away. This helps to regulate your body clock and improves your sleep quality. 

3. Wind Down Ready for Bed 

• Avoid screens before going to bed – the blue light interferes with melatonin production, making it harder to fall asleep. 
• Establish a calming bedtime routine: a warm shower, a good book, or some gentle music can all help signal to your body that it’s time to rest. 

4. Watch What You Eat and Drink 

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol in the evenings, as both can disrupt your sleep cycle. 

5. Move During the Day 

• Gentle daily exercise and exposure to natural daylight can help you sleep better at night. 

Protect Your Memories with Better Sleep 

Your caravan or motorhome adventures are about creating special memories – not forgetting them. Whether it's the stillness of a misty morning or the meal enjoyed in a charming village, every moment deserves to be remembered. 

Improving your sleep with the right caravan mattress, motorhome bedding, or supportive mattress topper can help you do just that. 

Browse our range of custom-made sleep solutions designed specifically for caravans and motorhomes. Because when you sleep well, you remember more – and that’s what holidays are really all about.