Nowadays, it is very common that many people embrace sleeping in a hammock, especially during camping. Why does this happen? Should you also replace your bed too?
If you are also curious about this or have a plan to try a hammock sleeping, luckily, you are in the right place! This 2022 latest Sleeping in A Hammock Guide is going to help and tell you everything about hammock bed, including the facts, benefits, how-tos, the best hammocks for sleeping, tips and FAQs, national hammock day, etc.
Why Sleeping in A Hammock? - Facts & Benefits
The very first hammock was said to be woven from the Hammack tree, hence the name. Clever Mayans created such amazing beds hanging between two trees to avoid being attracted by dangerous animals like insects on the ground.
Hammocks later enjoyed great popularity amongst navies in the mid-16th century and farmers in the late 19th century.
While nowadays, hammocks are fantastic leisure items, popular alternatives to tents during camping, comfortable beds, etc.
Sleeping in a hammock boasts multiple benefits, including but not limited to the following.
- Studies show that sleeping in a hammock helps people to fall asleep faster than on a mattress;
- The gentle rocking motion of the womb-like hammock also benefits deep sleep and memory consolidation;
- It is a treasure for insomniacs;
- The airiness of a hammock is unbeatable in hot seasons;
- Hammocks are lightweight, portable, space-friendly and easy to set up, which is extremely a big benefit for camping, especially for families with lots of people;
- It is much easier to be maintained and cleaned, especially when it compared with a big mattress;
- Hammocks enjoy a lower risk of being attacked by bed bugs, dust mites and other pests;
- Reading in a hammock is amazing;
- Hammocks help to alleviate back pain during slumber;
- A hammock is usually cheaper than a mattress. The average cost on a mattress normally varies from $250 to $3000+, while that of a hammock is only from $10 to $250.
How to Sleep in A Hammock?
No matter you are going to do hammock camping or regular basis at home, you must be curious on how to sleep in a hammock. Though it is widely believed to be very comfortable to sleep in this brilliant creation, you may also get bad experiences if you don’t choose the right postures. And here we are going to help. Check the right and wrong ways to sleep in a hammock to get inspired.
Right Ways to Sleep in A Hammock (Healthy Sleeping Positions with Pictures)
Lay in your hammock diagonally instead of sideways or parallel with the hammock.
Compared with laying along the center line of your hammock, changing yourself to a bit of diagonal (lay across the center line on an angle) is better. Then, you will get a flatter lay and have more space as well. Remember to keep your head slightly elevated above the rest of your body.
If there is someone else who is going to share the hammock with you, you can try any angel you like, including following the center line or crossing it. However, sleeping alone in a hammock is more suggested if you want to enjoy an overnight stay, or you will be pressed to gather and will awake up when the other make toss and turn or leave the hammock.
Wrong Ways to Sleep in A Hammock
Laying straight in the hammock may hold your shoulders too tight. Your entire body will sink deeply in the hammock, and the airiness above you cannot be good.
Best Hammocks for Sleeping
A hammock night may also be uncomfortable if you don’t choose the right one for you. A good hammock requires much on quality. And the type, materials, size and capacity of a hammock are also essential when it comes to avoid back pain or other discomforts.
| Image | Product | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
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Best Overall
9 FT Portable Hammock with Stand |
|
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Diverse Colors
10 FT Color Striped Double Hammock with Stand |
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Expert Tips on Sleeping in A Hammock
- Hang your hammock between two trees at least 12 feet (3.7 m) apart while no more than 3 feet (0.9 m) off the ground, so that you can set your hammock in the best position without worrying much on any sudden falling;
- Hang your hammock with around a 30-degree angle, which is said to give you the most comfortable curve for sleeping;
- Never hang your hammock above sharp objects;
- Make sure your hammock is secured to the stand, tree or wall;
- A portable hammock frame is recommended for hammock sleeping at home;
- Sometimes, you’d better take your tarp with you to avoid wind and rain while camping;
- A bug net is suggested to avoid being attacked by annoying mosquitoes and other insects in the wild;
- Bring a pillow and blanket with you.
Hammock Sleeping FAQs
- Can 2 people sleep in 1 hammock?
Yes, of course, but make sure you and your partner not exceed its capacity. And overnight sleeping is not really suggested for more than one person in a hammock.
- Is it OK to sleep in a hammock every night?
Navies did so during the mid-16th century, however, that’s because they had strong bodies and the space on the ship was limited. Farmers also did so in the 19th century, however, that’s because they wanted to save money. Sleeping in a hammock is believed to be good for health, however, it may also be not that good if you do it every night and every year. If you would like to continue doing it every night or for a long period of time, then please consult a doctor first.
- Is sleeping in a hammock bad for your back?
If you sleep in the correct posture, hammocks seldom have bad effects on your back, on the contrary, they relive the back pain. However, if you already have severe back problems, hammock sleeping may help little on that. For those already have conditions like scoliosis, you are suggested to get away from your hammock, or it may exacerbate your issue on that.
- Can a hammock replace a bed?
People use a hammock to replace their bed now and then, but seldom permanently. And different people hold different views on this. Therefore, you can have a try as your preference.
