Sleeping in a hammock can be a wonderful treat. There’s nothing better than laying in a piece of fabric above the grass with the wind blowing across your body. I absolutely love laying in my hammock on a breezy summer day. I wish I could lay in one all year round, but upstate New York doesn’t allow me to do that.
However, in the summertime, I take my hammock everywhere and my husband and I use it as our sleeping area when we are camping. We love how free we feel when we sleep in it. Anyway, there are actually quite a few benefits of sleeping in a hammock, more than you could possibly know.
What Is A Hammock?
The first hammock was thought to be slept in back in 450 BC. This simple piece of fabric has been slept on for centuries. They are space-saving solutions for those looking for a simple sleeping area that doesn’t take up a ton of room. Hammocks are simple to set up, and a lot of them can be folded up and stuffed into tiny carrying bags for optimal storage and travel, but should it replace your bed?
Types of Hammocks
There are five main types of hammocks on the market right now:
- Brazilian
- Rope
- Fabric
- Camping
- Chairs and Swings
This type of hammock is known for its use in colder climates. They have a thicker weave to them, which means that the cold air is blocked, adding warmth. They are usually found without those spreader bars and are generally designed with an in-line hanging system. These usually have very vibrant colors to them and are made from 100% cotton. There may also be gorgeous embellishments on the hammock. The only downfall to these hammocks is that they are susceptible to mold and mildew due to their natural cotton makeup.
Hammock Benefits
People have been sleeping in hammocks for centuries and those who do have voiced their opinions about the health benefits that they have experienced.
Sleeping Position
According to Dr. Steven Park, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, your body should be on its back with the head elevated at about 10-30%. Hammocks put your body in this exact position. Beds force you into all sorts of unhealthy sleeping positions, whereas a hammock puts you in the optimal sleeping position.
Fall Asleep Quicker
According to a study published in Current Biology, being in a hammock can make you fall asleep faster than you would in a bed. This probably attributes to the fact that your body is already in the perfect position for sleeping. This study monitored 12 men who took two naps. One was in a swaying bed and the other was in a stationary bed. The study concluded that there was a quicker transition when in the swaying bed for all patients.
Deeper Sleep
Not only do you fall asleep quicker in a hammock, but you stay asleep longer as well. There are also a variety of benefits that come with deeper sleep, which include, but are not limited to mood improvement, memory, and mental performance.
Brain Hacks
The swaying motion of a hammock alters the brain waves of those who are sleeping in it. The swaying makes the brain waves stronger. The swaying is said to induce a boosting of slow oscillation and spindle activity.
Insomnia Cure
For some reason, hammocks may have the ability to alleviate and even cure insomnia. They think that the deeper stages of sleep that the hammocks induce can help with longer periods of sleep, thus, letting somebody sleep for a longer period of time. This can be backed by many anecdotes that are reporting this effect.
Comfort
Honestly, hammocks are just really comfortable. Mattresses can create pressure points and put pressure on our bodies. Hammocks eliminate this issue because you’re suspended in the air with no pressure points. When I sleep in my hammock, I make sure I bring a blanket with me just in case it gets chilly while I’m swingin’ away.
A Good Place To Read
Some people choose hammocks to read. The reason being that you don’t have to worry about contorting your body into a position that your bed just can’t accommodate. It’s also great for reading outside because of the natural sunlight, and no pillows are needed.
Great Bodily Health
When you sleep well, your body has better recovery times. When a person is in a deep sleep, our bodies are improving themselves by restoring energy, improving the immune system, and repairing tissues & muscles. So since sleeping in a hammock makes us snooze deeper, it will automatically have an effect on the health of our bodies.
Can You Sleep In A Hammock Every Night?
Yes, you can! You can certainly sleep in a hammock every night if you are comfortable. Like any sleeping apparatuses, they are pros and cons of sleeping in a hammock, but it’s generally worthwhile. Hammock sleeping is one of the best cures for insomnia and you’ll find yourself getting a good night’s sleep. As a result of this, you will have a better ability to concentrate during the day because you aren’t so tired. Hammock sleeping can also improve your concentration. So by sleeping in a hammock every night, you’re bettering your brain and your health. Long-term hammock sleeping is also healthier for you. Why? Because you don’t have to worry about bed bugs, dust, dander, or the sweats. There’s a constant breeze under you, so you never have to worry about overheating.
The Right Place To Hang A Hammock
Since there are so many health benefits when it comes to sleeping in one of these amazing items, you can use it both inside and outside. If you want to use a hammock inside, you need to make sure it is close to the window. This position will allow you to feel the sun when you want to relax during the day. If you don’t have space inside of your home, you can hang it outside between two trees or poolside. If you hang it inside, however, make sure you have the appropriate motif that goes with the location you choose.
Planning for some outdoor relaxation? Check out the differences between hammock vs tent camping here.
How To Hang A Hammock
It may not seem like a difficult thing to do, but if it’s not hung right, it could fall or even hurt you. You should always use special hangers that will support your weight. You should also make sure it is secured to the wall or pole well enough to support you. When installing the hammock, try to form it 30 degrees. This will make your body more relaxed. The height of the hammock should also be no more than 50-75 cm above the floor. Make sure you always use the proper safety precautions when installing these inside and outside of your home. Most of them will come with instructions for both indoor and outdoor use for your convenience.
You may want to read: How to Find the Best Hammock Chair
Conclusion
As you can see, the benefits of sleeping in a hammock are great. It improves your brain function, helps you sleep, puts your body in the right position, and it’s more affordable than a traditional bed. Sleeping in a hammock with your spouse is also a great way to be closer to them. If you do that, make sure you have a double hammock or you aren’t going to fit very well. If I have convinced you to start sleeping in a hammock, share this with everybody you know who would also like to try this out.