If you are bored with your mattress and having a hard time falling asleep at the night, maybe it’s finally time for a change. And you can try hammock for a change as sleeping in a hammock has become very popular and it has many proven health benefits as well.
However, when you bring change to something suddenly, there might be a lot of questions to ask about it including the common question like-is sleeping in a hammock bad for your back? Do not worry as we are going to give you answers to all the questions you have regarding sleeping in a hammock in this article.
Why don’t we sleep in hammocks?
Although hammock is not very popular in European culture, it was first derived from Salvadoran culture. The hammock was a big part of this culture and was used for taking afternoon naps. Many people are not aware of the benefits of hammock sleeping, even though hammocking has become a very popular outdoor activity lately.
It is thought that sleeping in a hammock might be harmful to the body. Some people do not like it because they think hammocks lack stability. Also, it is true that it is a bit hard to get on and get down from a hammock.
Some people lack the space in their house to put on hammocks. And while camping, it is not a lie that hammocks can give you very less security than tents or cars. That is why people do not usually sleep in hammocks.
Read More: How to Hang a Hammock with 1 Tree?
Is a hammock good for your back?
The hammock can be good for your back as it will not give any pressure to a particular part of your body. You might fall asleep faster with the slow cradles of a hammock. With a hammock, you can sleep in any position you like and the hammock will stay wrapped around your body.
On the other hand, your mattress might become uncomfortable if you use it for a long time. Also, lying on one side of the bed might give you pressure on specific parts or sore neck or sore backs that will bother you for the rest of the day. So, this makes the hammock good for your back.
Is sleeping in a hammock comfortable?
Sleeping in a hammock can be very comfortable as it is soft and it does not put any pressure on any body part particularly. A hammock is ideal for sleeping, since it lets you rest better, helps you recover from a long day, supports your back, and is an excellent form of rest after a long day.
Not only is a hammock very helpful for fast sleep, but sleeping in a hammock is very comfortable. You will slowly swing into sleep without any problem falling asleep. People who have insomnia or have trouble falling asleep are often suggested by doctors to sleep in a hammock as it is very comfortable. The slow cradles can help you relax and put you into a deep sleep in no time.
Related: How Far Apart Can You Hang a Hammock?
Do hammocks hurt or help your back?
Many people might find hammocks uncomfortable and think that hammocks are bad for you but there is no proven scientific theory that says hammocks can damage or hurt your back. In fact, it reduces back pain. Back pain usually happens because of pressure points that are caused by sleeping on a mattress in the same position all night. Thus you might wake up with sleeping problems like- back pain, neck pain, frozen shoulder or other muscle pain.
On the other hand, a hammock does not have any pressure points. And the hammock prevents you from tossing and turning in a deeper sleep. Having your head slightly raised is the ideal position for sleeping on your back to avoid back issues. And with a hammock, you can sleep exactly like that. You will have better sleep and that will improve your brain waves and calm your nerves, so you can be more productive throughout the next day.
But there are cautions that you need to maintain as well. It is unlikely that hammocking will provide an easy way to fall asleep for people with back problems. It is in fact more likely that people who are suffering from conditions like spinal cord compression or scoliosis will experience a worsening of the condition. So, hammocks can hurt a few people as well as help some. you need to know the pros and cons of hammock camping and Which Hammock is better, Polyester or Cotton.
Is it bad to sleep in a hammock every night?
Hammock sleep is the subject of many anecdotes both positives and negatives. A hammock nap is considered safe for most people. If you would like to continue doing it every night or for a long period of time then you should consult a doctor first. Back pain and poor posture could arise as a result of this practice if you have previous issues. So, sleeping on a hammock does not damage your back.
It may be a necessity or a preference to sleep in a hammock. Research shows sleeping in a hammock relieves pressure points and promotes deeper sleep. These claims require more evidence. A lot of the hammocks have health benefits that have been reported anecdotally.
The best thing to do is to use- the hammock and mattress both to sleep. You can choose one according to your needs and condition and of course with the advice of a doctor. Also, there are many types of hammocks like- rope hammocks, Brazilian hammocks, quilted Hammocks, etc. and you might just feel comfortable on a specific one.
Related: How To Hang A Hammock Chair From A Tree?
5 Health Benefits Of Sleeping In A Hammock
As it is proven in many types of research that sleeping in a hammock can be the brain optimum for comfortable, pain-free, and deep sleep, there are many other sleep benefits of hammocks that you might not know.
They are given below:
1. Ensures ideal sleeping position
Doctors from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine have recommended lying on the back with the head raised up about 10-30 degrees angle. This is the ideal sleeping position and correct angle to sleep. It is easier to achieve this sleeping position in a hammock.
2. Ensures Zero-Pressure-Point Sleep
If you sleep in a hammock, you spread that pressure over the length and width of your body while you rest. The fabric of the hammock molds to your body, rather than a hard surface molding to your body. This helps to reduce pressure while you get your night’s rest. This prevents you from having additional body aches.
3. Relieve Stress
Stress has become a regular thing in this busy and competitive world. You might have trouble falling asleep due to stress and that might make you gain body weight too. It has been proven that hammocks can reduce body stress levels and help you relax more quickly and make the brain function better.
4. Circulation of blood is improved
When you sleep on an excellent hammock that is made out of a good fabric you will find that the entire hammock experience will go smoothly even if you use it for a long period of time. As a hammock keeps the position of your head raised, this improves your blood circulation. Additionally, this curve shape helps with better brain wave synchronization than any expensive mattress can. Also, there are many Pros and cons of Hammock camping.
5. Boosts your focus
As a hammock can provide a healthy body and sound mind by ensuring deeper restful sleep, it helps the brain to take enough rest and prepares you for the next day. So, instead of making the common mistake people make by spending dollars on mattresses, you should switch to a hammock of fine and durable material.
Can you replace your bed with a hammock?
You can certainly replace your bed with a hammock if you want to as a hammock has amazing benefits. Because of the anecdotal benefits hammock is becoming popular in many cultures including American cultures. That is why when people go camping they choose to relax on a hammock instead of a traditional tent.
However, you should still consult a doctor before completely switching to a hammock because many important facts about your health depend on it.
Related: Do I Need A Sleeping Pad For Camping?
Is there a long-term risk to sleeping in a hammock regularly?
No. Many people in Central and South American countries sleep in hammocks for their entire life.
Is there a good way to sleep in a hammock, without a tent, and still keep warm?
Yes. Use an under-quilt. You can buy purpose-made ones that tend to be expensive or you can improvise inexpensively using any warm covering that you arrange to hug the bottom of the hammock opposite your body so your weight doesn’t compress it.
Don’t lay on top of it. The exact methods depend on the materials selected and creativity. Elastic cordage is nearly essential. Seek a snug fit to eliminate air gaps.
Conclusion
From culture to culture, hammocks are popular because of the health benefits they provide. In any location whether home or outdoor or even camping in a deep forest, a hammock can offer total relaxation and help you take a break from the busy life to relieve your everyday stress.
You need not worry about all the bad experiences people have had with hammocks because not everyone’s body and brain work the same. Choose a hammock that can provide comfort without causing a body ache based on the fabric and weave and you will be able to enjoy all the amazing health benefits that a hammock can offer.
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