An Urbanite's Guide to Sleeping in a Country House at Night

My mother tells a story about a road trip my parents took when I was an infant. During the day, I was as happy and contented as a baby could be, and the car ride quickly lulled me to sleep. Yet on the ride home I cried and cried... until we hit the street lights. Born in the city, I had never been in total darkness before, even at home where the parking lot lights shown around the edges of the nursery curtains.

If you are an urbanite traveling to a rural home, the sites and sounds you experience at night in the country will be quieter and of a different variety. You are probably used to hearing lots of cars going by, people talking, car doors slamming, music and television in the distance, dogs barking plus several emergency vehicles. Given this, the things we hear from our rural bedsides can keep us up all night wondering "What was that?" We may peek out the window fearfully every hour or two to make certain noone is there, if we can see anything. If this description resembles you, be assured that you are not alone. Moving from the city to the country, whether for one night or permanently, is a stressful adjustment.

1. Take the Darkness for Granted

Lights out and tucked under that country quilt you're likely to see... nothing, except perhaps a little moonlight. Embrace the darkness! It wraps you in peace and serenity. The crime rate is vastly lower here that it is at your city residence. Trust your neighbors and nature, close your eyes and forget the lights are out. Many people (myself included) find that after a few weeks of sleep in true darkness they prefer it. Once you are used to the dark, full moonlight pouring in the window will come as a welcome and wondrous surprise. Keep a night light in the hallway or bathroom so you can find your way, but make the attempt to go without in the bedroom.

2. Tune In to Nature's Harmony

As you fall to sleep you are likely to hear dogs, geese or other animals calling in the distance. In warmer seasons, you may hear a cacophony of tree frogs, crickets, and other critters in the evening, to be replaced by a chorus of birdsong in the early morning. These sounds are normal. Learn them and learn from them. To be sure, these noises are far lovelier than those from dump trucks, arguing cabbies, screeching tires and sirens at 4 AM.

3. Tune Out the Odd Car Driving By (Unless They Come Up The Driveway)

Depending on your proximity to a main road, you may hear the occasional vehicle go by. The sound of a car at night will stand out in the country since there are comparatively so few of them. As such you're more likely to notice them, especially if the car stops and makes a U-turn in your gravel driveway. You may feel vulnerable and exposed, but the people driving are only concerned with the turn they missed a quarter mile back up the road. Fortunately, if someone does make an unexpected nighttime visit, you'll hear them coming long before they get to the house.

4. Trust Your Surroundings (Most Nighttime Sounds are Harmless)

People new to the country may be kept awake by sounds coming from inside and around the house. Country homes aren't all made of concrete and steel like many urban fortresses: The house will pop and crack as temperatures drop overnight, and a gentle breeze may sound like a strong gust of wind. Additionally, you may be able to hear every footfall on the paths outside. Prepare to be chagrined the first time you jump out of bed with fright, only to discover a chipmunk rummaging through a leaf pile. Let the knowledge that "It's just a chipmunk!" help you sleep with ease.

That said, raccoons, coyotes and the like are legitimate concerns. However, there are common-sense methods of deterring and dealing with these unwelcome visitors. If you are newly moved to a rural area, ask your neighbors for tips. Additionally, many jurisdictions provide information and resources for homeowners to deal with these and other shared concerns of country living.

5. Get a Dog

Want to know immediately which sounds are truly scary and which aren't? Let your dog be the judge. Country living is ideally suited for medium- to large-sized dogs. In addition to keeping the foot of your bed warm at night, big dogs are protective guardians of you and your home. Whether it be a raccoon in the trash or a villain in the night, your dog's bark will alert you to their presence and scare them away. If you have never had a dog, visit the local animal shelter to learn about the animals and ask questions. Even if you don't plan to adopt a dog, learn to be comfortable around them: They are likely to be the first to greet you at most rural homes you visit and in some businesses.

6. Dress Warmly or Bury Under Quilts & Blankets

Temperatures often drop lower in rural areas at night. Older homes may not be completely airtight, and homeowners often keep the thermostat low to save energy. Be prepared for the chill with warm pajamas and lots of blankets. Keep a robe and a pair of slippers handy: While you may be warm and cozy in bed, your late night trip to the bathroom may feel like an arctic adventure without them.

7. Early to Bed, Early to Rise

If you are an urban night owl, there are several reasons why earlier hours may help rather than hinder your schedule. Most obviously, you are likely to be awoken at an unexpectedly early hour by dogs barking, geese overhead, neighbors, tractors... Country people in general have earlier hours than urbanites. Stores close earlier. Farmers rise early to tend to their animals and crops. Office workers in rural exurbs start early to get a jump on the commute. Did I mention that the stores close earlier?

For many urbanites, staying in a country house overnight can be a daunting experience. Yet, learning to be comfortable in both the rural and urban environments can be a lasting reward unto itself.