Research shows a third of car passengers struggle to nap on the move
We all know someone who can fall asleep within minutes as a passenger on a car ride, yet others find it much harder to nod off, even on longer journeys.More than a third of passengers say they struggle to sleep on a car ride, according to new research conducted by Citroen UK and leading sleep behaviour and environment expert, James Wilson of 2,000 UK motorists.
The study found 37% of passengers said they struggled to fall asleep in a car, while 14% said they never sleep on the move at all. The aspects of the vehicle and the driving environment were also studied with more than half of all respondents (55%) saying comfortable seats make it easier to fall asleep, while a smooth ride and good legroom were highlighted by 49% and 26% of respondents respectively. Neck and head support, as well as an optimum in-car temperature, were highlighted by 24% of all surveyed.
Unsurprisingly, motorways and dual carriageways were found to be the most tranquil setting for passengers, with 67% of respondents falling asleep on those types of roads.
While the length of a nap depends very much on the journey, Wilson advises that passengers should sleep for no longer than 30 minutes at a time on a car trip in order to feel the full benefit and to be well rested. On average, passengers needed just over 1 hour and 15 minutes on the road before they nodded off.
While some drivers may get disgruntled when their passengers slept, research showed that two thirds (66%) of drivers aren't really that bothered if their travel companions fall asleep. For drivers who prefer passengers to stay awake, the main causes of annoyance were being left without anyone to talk to and the distraction of snoring.
Using the findings from the survey, as well as Wilson's own research, Citroen has come up with a formula for the Optimum In-Car Sleep (OICS), to help deliver a better in-car passenger powernap experience.
Optimum In-Car Sleep formula = C (SP, T, A, L, S) - R
Comfort (C) is a function of Seating Position (SP), Time (T), internal Ambiance (A), Legroom (L) and Suspension (S), while external distractions such as road noise and bumps are characterised by the function (R).
James Wilson, The Sleep Geek, said that the research came back with some interesting insights especially around how challenging some people find napping on the go.
"We can often struggle to find time for a power nap, so the car can be an ideal place. Being able to catch a 30-minute power nap during the day, when it’s possible, is really beneficial and can certainly help people to feel reinvigorated.”
Five tips for passengers to achieve the most comfortable in-car power nap:
- When napping, whether it is in a car or elsewhere, try to do it before 2.00pm.
- When napping in a car try to sleep for no more than 30 minutes. Napping for longer will likely make you feel less sleepy at night and make you feel groggy when you do wake up.
- The biggest complaint when waking from a car nap is a stiff neck or back. A comfortable, well-padded seat, the correct seating position and a supportive headrest helps to keep your neck in a neutral position and helps to avoid aches and pains.
- To fall asleep you need a drop in heart rate and a relaxing environment. Travelling in a vehicle with a smooth ride and listening to something soothing in the car is a great way to let your mind wander. Try a podcast, an audiobook or music of less than 60 beats per minute.
- Having plenty of legroom will make sure you are comfortable and that you won’t wake from a nap feeling physically cramped and uncomfortable.
Related: Nissan releases driving inspired lullaby playlist to help get your baby to sleep
Related: Five things that passengers are expected to do
Related: Has Citroën created the world’s comfiest car seats?
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
