6 Major Health Benefits of Sleeping in a Hammock

From Fighting Insomnia to Giving Your Back a Break, Learn How Hammocks Help You Rest

When was the last time you slept in a hammock? Have you ever slept in a hammock?

If you experience sleep issues or wake up with a stiff and sore back or limbs, the answer could be to recline, relax, and hang out in a hammock.

Hammock sleep offers some significant advantages over forty winks on a mattress, including improvements to your blood flow and circulation and taking pressure off your joints.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the major advantages of sleeping in a hammock, both for your general health and a more restful sleep.

How is Sleeping in a Hammock Different from Sleeping in a Bed?

The major difference between sleeping in a bed and sleeping in a hammock is position—but that position matters a lot.

If you've ever fallen into a hammock and found yourself drifting into a deep, relaxing sleep, you understand why. A hammock encloses you, rocks you, and takes pressure off your spine. The gentle rocking and swaying, in turn, helps engage your vestibular system.

Your vestibular system gives us the adrenaline rush we get when we ride a roller coaster, but it’s also the reason why gently rocking a child can help put them to sleep.

Simply put, it’s incredibly relaxing!

All of this combines to helping you achieve a longer, deeper sleep.

Is It Safe to Sleep in A Hammock? Is Sleeping an A Hammock Good for Your Back?

Assuming you’ve set up your hammock properly, yes, sleeping in a hammock is safe! You’re actually much less likely to toss and turn in a hammock thanks to how they hold you.

In fact, that’s also why a hammock won’t hurt your back, either. Many people worry that a hammock will cause back pain, but a lot of the discomfort we feel from a bad night’s sleep (waking up with a sore back or tight muscles) stems from the fact that we toss and turn in our sleep.

A hammock forces you to sleep on your back, which can reduce pressure on your spine and make it more comfortable for those who have pre-existing back pain.

That being said, if you have special nerve issues or spinal problems, hammock sleeping might not be for you, and you should consult your doctor or physician to determine if it’s a good fit for you.

How to Sleep in A Hammock

If you’ve spent any amount of time exploring our blog or products, then you’ve probably noticed that hammocks aren’t exclusively hung between a pair of trees. Think of the hammocks in old ships that sailors would use, and the popularity of hammock beds in South America!

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide on Hanging Hammocks Outdoors

Brazillian hammocks can be strung up inside your home and come in a number of styles. If you are determined to try sleeping outside in the summer, you should consider including mosquito nets. There’s nothing worse than drifting off to sleep only to have a fly or mosquito buzz into your ear, after all.

Read More: How to Hang A Hammock Indoors

Sleeping in a hammock is easy, comfortable, and no different than your usual relaxation. Just grab a blanket or two to keep warm, and you’re good to go!

6 Major Benefits of Sleeping in A Hammock

There are many benefits to a sleeping hammock. Even better, to achieve these benefits, you don't necessarily need to replace your entire bed: you can just sleep in your hammock occasionally.

Install a sleeping hammock with mosquito net outside and use it on beautiful days or install a hammock beside your bed in your bedroom. It’s that easy!

1 – Achieve the Ideal Sleeping Position

A hammock will naturally move you into the ideal sleeping position—and keep you there. In this way, it can function a lot like a memory foam bed. A hammock isn't going to let you roll to your side or your stomach, which could hurt your back. Additionally, your head will be slightly elevated above your body, which is ideal for restful sleep. 

2 – Fall Asleep Faster

It's been shown that sleeping in a hammock can help you fall asleep faster. Part of this could be due to the fact that you're already in a comfortable sleeping position. It could also be the swaying, which does tend to lull you into a restful, relaxed state. If you often find yourself frustrated, tossing and turning, and unable to sleep, a hammock may be the perfect solution.

3 – Enjoy a Deeper Sleep

In addition to falling asleep faster, hammock sleep also tends to be much deeper. You can achieve REM sleep, which is the most restful form of sleep. It can take a while to get into a deeper sleep, especially if you have a sleep disorder. Deeper sleep can lessen anxiety, improve your focus, and increase your memory. Further, deep sleep tends to be associated with a better mood and improved work performance. 

4 – Zero-Pressure Point Rest

What is zero-pressure point sleep? A hammock is a zero-pressure point system, in which there are no specific contact points between the sleep surface and your body. On a hard surface, your body is forced to conform to the surface. With a hammock, the hammock instead conforms to your body, providing equal pressure throughout your body rather than creating pressure in specific areas.

5 – Swaying Helps Your Brain

Swaying is a particularly soothing action for most people. That's why babies tend to fall asleep when they are swayed back and forth. Swaying will impact your brain waves, making you rest and fall asleep faster. Swaying can even help you relax even if you aren't necessarily sleeping, making it possible for you to unwind from the rigors of a rough day. 

6 – Help Deal with Insomnia

Many people suffer from insomnia, which can cause a large amount of physical and psychological issues. However, it's been discovered that hammocks can potentially cure insomnia, depending on the cause of insomnia. If you often find yourself unable to get a deep, restful sleep, and wake up frequently throughout the night, then a hammock may be able to help. 

Hammocks can improve sleep in many ways—and you don't have to completely transition to a hammock in order to feel many of the benefits. Investing in a hammock gives you additional sleeping options, especially when you have insomnia or your back hurts. Transitioning entirely to a hammock can be incredibly beneficial to those who are having chronic sleeping problems or chronic pain.

We'd love to hear your experience with sleeping in a hammock.

Let us know in the comments below!