I would guess that the average person doesn't think of a hammock as a serious sleeping alternative to a bed. In fact, I would even guess that 99% of people sleep on your run-of-the-mill mattress with springs and "the latest" in Posturepedic technology.
The truth is, sleeping in hammocks isn't just for an afternoon snooze or place to read a good book, they can and currently are used as a place to get your 8 hours in each and every night by some people.
This is not because these people are hippies or lead alternative lifestyles, there are some great reasons as to why someone would sleep in a hammock every single night at home.
Here's why:
Sleeping in Hammocks - Hammocks Provide Optimal Blood Circulation and Breathing
Do you know why hospital beds are designed the way they are? With a slight elevation of the head and encouraging the patient to lay flat on their back, this provides the best chance of optimal blood circulation, less congestion, and a position for non-obstructed breathing. This is the exact same position you take on when sleeping in a hammock. Any stiffness in your body, joint pain or a bad back soon feels better when your blood is flowing the way it should and you can breathe as much oxygen as possible.
Sleeping in Hammocks - Absolutely No Pressure Points When Sleeping in a Hammock
If you were to try to sleep on a slab of concrete how do you think your body would react? Every time a joint, limb or muscle was subjected to pressure against concrete your brain would immediately signal to move that point to a more comfortable spot. That results in a lot of tossing and turning around. Similarly, if you slept on a hard or springy mattress you may have the same outcome. With a hammock, you are suspended in the air, and the only contact your body has with anything is the soft-to-the-touch cotton that lies between you and the thin air. This is called zero-pressure-point sleeping, and results in no complaints from your brain, and no tossing and turning as you try to get some shuteye.
Sleeping in Hammocks -Hammocks Provide A Faster and Deeper Sleep
Research has found that gentle swaying and rocking assist in synchronizing brain activity and results in a more tranquil sleep even in noisy environments. Tests by Swiss scientists revealed that a sleeping spot that rocks provide for a much quicker journey to full sleep and rest. This results in full regeneration of your brain and body and hammock sleepers are waking up completely refreshed and ready to take on the new day. Hammocks provide for a fast, deep sleep the moment you lay down.
One last benefit not related to health is that you no longer have to make your bed anymore. There are hammocks that range in all sizes from single size hammocks to family-sized hammocks, so if you have a partner you can still fit alongside them, and you can both enjoy the benefits of nightly sleep in a comfortable hammock.
SLEEPING IN HAMMOCK TIPS FOR BEGINNERS
You'll see why so many people love this fast-growing camping and backyard craze once you start sleeping in a hammock. Dealing with uneven, rocky terrain — not to mention rodents and nosy non-flying insects — is far preferable to a night peacefully dangling under the stars. In addition, sleeping in a hammock has a slew of undiscovered advantages!
We've come up with great hammock-sleeping tricks to assist you in earning a master's-level education in how to hang in a hammock properly.
Sleep Diagonally
When most individuals see a hammock, what do they do first? Attempt to flop into it with their head pointing to one anchor and their feet pointing to the other. Though some people don't mind sleeping in this posture, most hammockers find it a touch too bent.
In a hammock, sliding in on the diagonal is better to sleep comfortably. It will make the surface of your "bed" flatter and less curved. It'll also save you from feeling like you're trapped in a too-tight cocoon.
Sag Your Hammock Real Good
If you thought that tightening your hammock was the key to a good night's sleep, you were mistaken. You can achieve a more comfortable hammock slumber by rigging your hammock with a substantial sag.
Ideally, your sag should be around a 30-degree angle or greater. You're in for a great night's sleep when you combine a proper sag with diagonal sleeping.
Make Extra Cradling Support
Some regions of your body require a little extra cradling from time to time. Your neck, legs, knees, and even feet may be affected.
So, how can you sleep in a hammock when your neck is stiff, and your knees don't feel supported? Putting a cushion or even your wadded-up everyday clothes under different body zones is the answer. Experiment to find the ideal combination of hugging and natural hammock fabric tension.
Use Bug Nets, Always
It's not for nothing that they're called "bugs." When you're camping in an area with a lot of buzzing and biting insects, a breathable hammock might not be the best option. A bug net is useful in this situation.
Either get a bug net that comes with the hammock or buy one separately to use as needed. Bug netting will add very little weight to your luggage and will help you sleep better even on humid, bug-infested nights.
Try Using a Sleeping Pad
If you're leaving the tent for hammocking, don't believe you can throw away your sleeping mat. On chilly evenings, your sleeping pad can provide insulation, allowing you to relax figuratively rather than practically.
Place your sleeping bag inside your hammock and lie down on top of it. If you find yourself sliding to the center of the hammock and getting all bunched up on the sleeping pad, raise the hammock a few inches at the foot base. Then crawl back in for all the comfort you require.
Make a Drip Line
If you don't rig up a drip line on your tarp, hammock sleeping when it's raining can be difficult. A drip line is just a length of knotted rope placed six to eight inches away from the tree or other tarp-anchoring source.
Water will soon divert to running down the drip line if it starts rolling toward the tarp along the attachment lines. Droplets won't get under the tarp and wake you up this way.
Is it Possible to Sleep in a Hammock? Absolutely!
When you're out camping, getting the rest you need is as simple. You can go rigging up a lightweight hammock and learning how to hang in it safely and comfortably.
At Siesta Hammocks, we even take you through the pros of what makes a great Brazilian hammock, and we also stock Mexican and premium hammocks for delivery Australia wide.
For any questions on any of our products please call our customer support team on (02) 8091 1204.
Happy Shopping at Siesta Hammocks!
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