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Updated: Jun 11, 2025
08:36
Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
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How do we sleep? Towards physical requirements for space and environment while travelling.
P Vink1, G Vledder1, M Smulders1
1TU Delft / Faculty of Industrial Design Engineering, Landbergstraat 15, Room B-3-160, 2628 CE, Delft, the Netherlands.
Applied Ergonomics
|September 28, 2024
Summary
Vehicle sleeping guidelines suggest a minimum bed size of 171x76 cm for travelers, with side sleeping being most common. Optimal sleep also requires a dark, quiet environment with a comfortable temperature.
Area of Science:
- Ergonomics
- Human Factors Engineering
- Sleep Science
Background:
- Establishing optimal sleeping space guidelines for vehicles is crucial for traveler comfort and rest.
- Previous research suggests varying bed size requirements based on sleep duration and posture.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine recommended vehicle sleeping space dimensions based on observed sleeping postures.
- To identify key environmental factors influencing sleep quality during travel.
Main Methods:
- Studied sleeping postures of 189 participants, with 105 adopting their natural sleep position and 84 their most frequent position.
- Analyzed sleeping posture data to recommend minimum bed dimensions.
- Reviewed environmental factors such as light, temperature, and noise.
Main Results:
- 74% of participants slept on their side, with 49% flexing both legs.
- A bed size of 200x90 cm accommodates all participants.
- A size of 171x76 cm may suffice for short-term travel sleep, aligning with previous findings.
Conclusions:
- Side sleeping with flexed legs is prevalent, influencing space requirements.
- Minimum dimensions of 171x76 cm are suggested for travel sleep.
- Darkness, appropriate temperature, and silence are essential for good sleep quality in vehicles.
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