How to Sleep Safely in Public Places

Co-authored by Alex Dimitriu, MD and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: August 25, 2021 References

Hoping to get some shut-eye? Catching some ZZZs may seem a lot easier said than done, especially if you’re out in public. Still, there’s no need to worry. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to help you stay safe and well-rested, no matter where you are.

1

Dress with plenty of layers.

Temperatures can fluctuate a lot throughout the night. Dressing in extra layers is the easiest, quickest way to rest comfortably when you’re stuck in a public place. Slip on a jacket or coat, or any other extra garments you have on hand. For extra comfort, transform a shawl or scarf into a makeshift blanket, too.^{[1]
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- It’s better to have too many layers than not enough. You can always shed some layers if it gets too warm!

2

Pick a public, well-lit spot.

Dark, quiet places aren’t ideal if you’re getting some public shut-eye. Unfortunately, falling asleep in a dark, isolated area makes you a prime target for thieves. Instead, scope out a well-lit, well-trafficked spot—while it may not be quite as comfortable, you’ll be a lot safer.^{[2]
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- You might set up shop at a table near a cafe, or grab a seat near an information booth.
- You might sleep in a tent, car, public park, or even in a storage unit.^{[3]
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  Research source} However, keep in mind that some towns and cities have laws preventing people from sleeping in public spaces.^{[4]
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  Research source} Double-check with your local law enforcement to be safe.

3

Call a hotline for help.

Call 211 to see if there’s a shelter near you. In the United States, many communities have a 211 hotline, which will connect you with trained staff. These people can help you access safe shelter, along with food, health care, and other resources.^{[5]
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- Check here for international resources: https://globalcrisis.info/homelessness.html.

4

Protect your belongings.

Strap your valuables to your person, if you can. Double-check that your bags are locked or secure, and slip your passport into an inner pocket, if you have one. Before catching some ZZZs, slide an arm or leg through your bag’s straps or handles, so thieves won’t have easy access.^{[6]
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- If possible, set your bags or luggage between yourself and a wall. This makes it a lot harder for thieves to nab your belongings.
- Some places, like airports, can safely store your luggage for an extra fee.^{[7]
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5

Rest your head on a makeshift pillow.

Transform your hoodie into a neck pillow. Turn the garment inside-out, folding a single sleeve across the front and back of the jacket. Starting from the bottom, roll the hoodie up, turning the garment right-side out as you go. Then, pull the hood out from the center of your rolled-up hoodie. Slide into your newly-created neck pillow to get some much-needed shut-eye.^{[8]
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- It’s okay if you don’t have a hoodie! You can roll whatever spare clothing you have on hand into a quick, simple pillow.^{[9]
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6

Create a comfortable sleeping area.

It’s hard to get much sleep in a bustling area. An eye mask can block out any bright, unpleasant lights, while a set of ear plugs can tone down the nearby chatter. If you have some toiletries with you, slip into the nearest bathroom to wash your face and brush your teeth before getting some rest.^{[10]
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- Headphones or earbuds are another great way to tune out unwanted noise.
- Always take your belongings with you when you switch locations.

7

Set an alarm if you’ve got somewhere to be.

You don’t want to miss the next leg of your journey. Whether you’re catching a flight or waiting for the morning subway, set your phone alarm to go off about an hour ahead of time. This way, you’ll have plenty of time to get your bearings and collect your belongings before you go about your day.^{[11]
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8

Relax before bed with a few different techniques.

Sleeping in a public place can definitely be stressful. That’s where meditation and other relaxation techniques come in! Install a meditation app on your phone, or try progressive muscle relaxation to help calm your nerves.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Alex Dimitriu, MD
Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional
Expert Interview. 16 October 2019.}^{[13]
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- Smiling Mind, Insight Timer, MyLife Meditation, and UCLA Mindful are all free, helpful meditation apps you can download.^{[14]
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9

Fall asleep quickly by relaxing your muscles.

This 4-step trick helps you fall asleep in as little as 2 minutes. Start by relaxing your jaw, tongue, and the muscles surrounding your eyes. Then, lower your shoulders as far down as possible, along with your upper and lower arms. Let out a deep breath, and relax your chest and lower body. Once you’re completely relaxed, picture yourself lying in a canoe beneath an open sky, or reclining on a black hammock in a completely dark room for 10 seconds.^{[15]
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Expert Source

Alex Dimitriu, MD
Sleep Medicine & Psychiatry Professional
Expert Interview. 16 October 2019.}^{[16]
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- Instead of picturing a relaxing place, you might say the phrase “don’t think” over and over for 10 seconds straight.

10

Look for airport accommodations.

Cots and lounges are viable options if you’re stranded at the airport. Stop by a nearby gate or concierge desk and explain your predicament to a staff member. With any luck, they might have a spare cot you can rest your head on for the night.^{[17]
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Research source} If you don’t mind spending a little extra money, see if the airport has a lounge. Some airports let you purchase a day pass to the lounge, where you can shower, eat, and nap in a safe place.^{[18]
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- Certain credit cards, like the American Express Platinum Card, might get you into airport lounges for free.