11 Natural Ways Forest Stays Can Reset Your Energy

11. Safety, Comfort, and Nighttime Rituals That Maximize Benefit

Safety and predictable routines are essential to getting the most from a forest sleep. Check local wildlife guidelines — bear or moose country rules often include food storage and waste disposal protocols — and follow property instructions closely. If you’ll be near campfires or stoves, review safe-lighting procedures and never leave flames unattended. For sleep hygiene, adopt a short pre-sleep routine: dim lights an hour before bed, avoid screens, and practice five to ten minutes of slow breathing or mindful listening to settle the nervous system. In the morning, prioritize exposure to sunrise light for at least 10 to 30 minutes and do gentle movement; this solidifies the circadian cue and helps translate the night’s benefits into daytime energy. Finally, if you can’t travel, recreate key elements at home — deliberate morning light exposure, reduced evening screens, and a cool sleeping environment — to test whether a full forest weekend will be worth the trip.