Camping in a hammock astonished a lot of hikers because of the advantages they get out of it, and the benefits that aided their sleep. There are many people who prefer sleeping in a hammock than in a tent.
The ideal sleeping position on a hammock is supine. Some hikers like the small elevation of their head from their body, which helps them sleep properly. You can also change your position, but avoid side sleeping for the whole night.
Many things can be discussed about hammock camping. But today, we will be focusing on the benefits of sleeping in a hammock, and the common questions that people ask. We also included some of the disadvantages of this practice.
If you want to elevate the comfort level of your campsite, we recommend that you set up a camping hammock. You will be literally taking your camping experience on another level. If you don’t know which one to get, check out our best camping hammocks recommendations.
Benefits of sleeping in a hammock
Sleeping in a hammock can provide numerous benefits. For instance, it can provide a person a good sleeping position, prevent pressure on body parts, and help you sleep easily and deeply. Hammocks can contribute to relaxation, and may be a cure to insomnia.
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Good sleeping position
Hammocks can trail your body shape if you rest on them. With such, it provides you with an ideal position that can help your body relax, as your head is slightly elevated compared to your body, and the hammock supports this setting.
Are you looking for a camping hammock in which you can be comfortable in nearly any sleeping position? Then, we highly suggest that you check out the Grand Trunk Skeeter Beeter Pro (Check the current price on amazon.com). It’s one of those spacious and secure camping hammocks that will make you feel comfortable.
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Prevents pressure
When sleeping on a bed, several body parts are affected by pressure. Whether you sleep on your side or in the supine position, your weight can press certain body parts. While, if you use a hammock, it will just shape up with your body, and there will be no pressure point.
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Helps you sleep easily
Most people are impressed by how fast they fall asleep on a hammock. They are comfortable with their position. However, it’s not for everyone.
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Swaying helps relaxing
Apart from helping you sleep faster, your brain can benefit from swaying motion. Swaying on the hammock when sleeping can help your brain synchronize sleep oscillation. That results in a good night’s sleep.
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It helps you sleep deeply
Sleeping deeply can help you feel energized, or even cure your tiredness. If these can affect you when you wake up, it will improve your mood, and even your thinking process. Nothing beats a deep sleep.
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May cure insomnia
This might be a technical topic that requires opinions from medical experts. However, based on our research, sleeping in a hammock can be a solution to cure insomnia. If you find it difficult to sleep, we suggest you try sleeping in one.
While some hikers love to sleep in hammocks, others don’t find it comfortable due to incorrect position and usage. If you setup your hammock properly, you’re already on the way to enjoying hammock camping. If you want to elevate your experience further, there are things that you can do to make a camping hammock more comfortable.
Can you sleep in a hammock while camping?
The direct answer is yes, you can definitely sleep on a hammock while camping. A lot of hikers actually really like sleeping in hammocks, as they find sleeping in a hammock more comfortable than sleeping in tents. While other hikers or campers do prefer tents over hammocks.
You should include the right gears on your checklist if you want to try hammock camping. Instead of using a tent, you will be sleeping in a hammock with a rainfly or rain tarp. Remember to bring a sleeping pad, underquilts, hammock straps, and nets or mesh to protect you from insects.
The added materials are for protection against insects, temperatures, and weather. Without those, you will be totally exposed to the outdoor elements. These are the drawback of sleeping on a hammock.
Can you sleep sideways in a hammock?
The short answer is yes, you can sleep sideways in a hammock. However, it comes with circumstances and disadvantages. Indeed, certain body parts, like your hands, arms and hips, can get sore once you wake up in the morning.
Side sleeping for a short time, then going back to the supine position may solve the disadvantages mentioned above. But if you are going to side sleep and stay in one position throughout the whole night, that will cause you pain. Some people may be uncomfortable sleeping sideways.
From our perspective, changing positions is natural. Some people, when sleeping in a hammock, fall into a deep sleep and stay still in a supine position. If you want to side sleep, you can, but you should move on your back after a while.
There are also factors that affect the side-sleeping position, for instance, a person’s height, the size of the hammock, and more. However, there’s no indication for that; it is in your control, and depends on your preferences. Your comfort is the priority.
Is it bad to sleep in a hammock every night?
Another question that can be answered by yes, but with a “but.” Sleeping on a hammock is ideal and largely suggested, however, we can’t provide a specific answer regarding a nightly basis.
Indeed, you can sleep in a hammock, but we can’t assure you that you should do it every night. There are several benefits that you can acquire from this. All we can recommend is for you to make sure that it is okay before you decide to replace your bed with a hammock.
Hammocks have been a great help for hikers. The feeling while being in the nature makes them choose to use them instead of sleeping in tents. The position and the constant relaxation just amazes them.
Setting up your hammock properly is necessary for you to be able to fully enjoy the comfort that it offers. Aside from your comfort, there are other things that you need to keep in mind when setting up your hammock such as your surroundings and the weather.
Are hammocks bad for your back?
There are good benefits to using a hammock, including the support for a person’s back. However, some people have been experiencing more pain. We think that there is no right and specific answer to this question, in this case we recommend to ask a doctor.
Based on our survey, there are campers who said that they preferred to sleep in tents, as hammocks brought them discomfort. Most of these campers had back issues.
If you have back problems, we suggest you to only use a hammock occasionally, or to consult a doctor who is specialized in this. They can provide you with answers and conditions, and make sure that your back can withstand it.
Is it unhealthy to sleep in a hammock?
Based on the benefits of sleeping in a hammock that we enumerated, we can say that it is not unhealthy. There are advantages for your sleep, so it’s an acceptable choice. Again, there is not enough information about the use of hammocks to make this a fact.
So far, through our research and surveys, we received feedback from hikers and campers who said that sleeping in a hammock is effective. They are comfortable, and allowed these adventurers to sleep more compared to when they sleep on a flat surface. But with this information, we can’t assure you that you should always sleep in one.
The benefits, like the prevention of pressure on body parts and the ideal sleeping position, can already be considered as healthy. Plus, it helps with deep sleep and can make you fall asleep quickly. Sounds like an immense gain, and a health benefit for your body.
Conclusion
A comfortable sleeping position should always be your priority. No matter what the options for you to choose from are, knowing where you are cozy and secure is essential. If others say hammocks are the best, but they don’t fit your sleeping style, then you shouldn’t use them.
The answer to whether sleeping in a hammock is good or bad still depends on your preferences. Contemplate the aspects that affect your body and sleep, and you’ll have the idea on which option you should choose for your future camping trips.
