Sleeping Under Trees: A Relaxing yet Risky Experience

Sleeping under a tree seems relaxing and calm for your senses. The soft breeze blowing across the leaves and those rustling branches moving across one another is a serene sleeping atmosphere. 

Of course, trees provide shade from the sun. No matter how hot it is out there, sleeping under a tree is a rewarding experience. But people might not have much time to go out in nature and take a nap due to their busy schedules. 

However, you can be imaginative and create a makeshift tree canopy to have a relaxing shuteye. But, there are pros and cons associated with sleeping under a tree and in hoagies. We will have a look at each of them in detail.

Key Takeaways

The Good & the Bad of Sleeping Under a Tree

Sleeping under a tree is a relaxing experience, but it has pros and cons. Let’s have a look at each one of them one by one. 

The Pros of Sleeping under a Tree

There’s something so calming and peaceful about it

As we have mentioned earlier, sleeping under a tree is quite relaxing. It allows you to mingle with nature and is certainly an experience that can’t be explained in words. 

You are away from those rush hours of a city. There are endless chores, and many anxious people are busy doing something. When you are sleeping outdoors under a tree, your exocrine becomes different. It’s as if a rush is pulled out of your life suddenly. 

The cool breeze and rustling of branches

As the soft breeze blouses across the leaves and branches of the tree you are under, it makes a calming rustling sound that gives you a perfect sleeping atmosphere. Birds are chirping, and there is a range of other sounds that surround you, but none of them is overpowering. These sounds combine to form nature’s perfect lullaby. 

You’ll breathe better quality air

One of the best features of sleeping under a tree is that you will breathe clean and fresh air no matter what. There is no smoke, dust, or dirt that you are inhaling. Trees exhale oxygen which is good for us humans and other animals. And you will breathe clean and fresh oxygen that is produced by trees. 

The Cons of Sleeping under a Tree

It can be cold at night

If you don’t have access to blankets or some additional layers of covering, sleeping under s trees when the sun goes down can be pretty cold, especially if there is wind. 

It can get uncomfortable or moist

Sleeping under a tree can be a bit of an uncomfortable irritation on your skin. Therefore, bringing in a blanket or additional layers of covering is always a good option to prevent excess moisture and allergens from irritating. It is especially the case if you have sensitive skin.  

It isn’t easy to find a pleasant spot

Finding that perfect spot can always be an issue because of so many branches poking out in front of the tree. Therefore, you will have to go through numerous trials and errors, and of course, you can’t continue to sleep in one spot. 

It’s an experience better for warm to hot weather

If the temperature is too cold out there, you won’t be able to sleep under a tree. So, this experience of sleeping under the shade of a tree is much more limited to hot or warm weather. 

Sleeping Under a Tree – Potential Dangers

Sleeping under a tree is a unique experience, but it is not an ideal choice for everyone out there. For example, sleeping under a tree can be harmful if you have sensitive skin or respiratory issues due to moisture and pollen from flowers and plants. 

Sleeping under a tree can be dangerous if the weather is too cold because there is no protection for you, even if you have blankets to cover yourself. Of course, there’s a chance of rain too.  

Larger animals

The true danger comes from predators, as many species consider humans a luxurious dinner. So, while sleeping out there in the world, you might have to prepare yourself against any such animals who might think of you as their meal. 

Bears are a pretty good example of this. They might not notice you if you are standing still, but your presence might scare them, and a startled beast in action is not something you want to encounter. Apart from bears, many other large animals can consider you as their next target when they are hungry. 

Smaller animals

Snakes pose a massive threat even if they can’t eat you. These reptiles are cold-blooded and need the sun to warm up their bodies. When you have chosen a tree for your nap time where a snake is already hiding in the branches, you might not notice it until it bites you. 

Out there in the world, these animals are not hesitant to attack humans. It’s because humans tend to run away and not fight back. So, to give yourself a better chance of a fight back, make sure you carry a knife. These knives come in handy when you are outdoors. 

Besides large animals, bugs and scorpions are there, and they can turn your sleep time outdoors into something hellish. Bites from these insects can cause discomfort and pain, and you will need immediate and adequate medical attention to prevent that venom from being fatal. 

But the good thing is that there are various bug sprays available that you can use to keep yourself safe from these bugs and enjoy a restful time. 

Other problems

Besides these large and small animals and bugs, there is another thing you need to worry about: bird poop. It might be the least of your worries when sleeping outdoors under a tree. But waking up when some bird pooped on you can be a pretty gross experience. 

The Myth of Night Photosynthesis

And then there is a thing called night photosynthesis. Plants use photosynthesis to make their food, which is why they are crucial for humans and other animals. 

During this process, a plant absorbs CO2 or carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. This process keeps these plants alive and is important for all other animals, as we breathe oxygen. 

A study has found that a tree can produce oxygen for at least four individuals. And when you sleep under a tree, you benefit directly from this process. Now, plants absorb carbon dioxide at night time. And without sunlight, plants tend to breathe just like humans. 

There are so many articles that talk about sleeping under a tree during nighttime will asphyxiate you. In other words, trees absorb oxygen during nighttime and exhale carbon dioxide. So, they are essentially stealing your oxygen. 

Some so many people sleep under a tree at night, and so many animals do the same. But we are yet to find a dead one. So, it’s just a theory that needs to be busted. 

Therefore, you can comfortably sleep under a tree at night, and no one will steal your oxygen from you. You have other worries to take care of, which revolve around other animals, not plants. 

Conclusion:

Sleeping under a tree is a pretty unique and relaxing experience. And you don’t have to worry about sleeping under a tree in the dark because no changes occur in the photosynthesis process of these plants. You will have plenty of fresh air to breathe.

But be watchful and have a clear eye for any potential dangers lurking around you. You must be aware of bugs, bears, snakes, and many other animals and insects. It is better to carry a knife and bug spray, and even a gun with you when you’re sleeping under a tree.