We recently asked some of our customers and long-time hammock users about their experience sleeping full time in a hammock, and why they made the switch to full-time “hammock beds”. That's right - full time! Would you try sleeping in a hammock? Their answers might surprise you.
The hammy sleepers we asked prefer parachute nylon hammocks rigged on a hammock stand in their bedrooms. Parachute hammocks are thin, flexible and breathable. Sleeping in other types of hammocks may also have positive results, but doesn’t always provide the same amount of side support or flexibility as the pressure point reducing, non-waffle printing parachute variety. Our respondents found that sleeping in a hammock every night has done wonders for their sound rest and improved their body and back pains significantly.
One of our responders is an ultramarathon runner and gave us some pretty convincing responses. He has reported a massive improvement in his sleep cycle and overall feeling of wellness after making the switch to sleeping in a hammock nightly. He says, “It is the best thing for my back. I sleep pain-free and sleep much more soundly. On a bed, I switch positions probably 6-12 times per night. In the hammock, I don't move at all.” It’s great news to hear that there IS a better way to boost the function of your body and mind by taking care of yourself even while you sleep.
Think about the way a hammock cradles your entire back at a slight angle to eliminate the pressure points that plague many “bed sleepers”. Most non-hammock sleepers envision laying in a big half-moon with your feet kicked up in the air and your back curved like a banana. Well, think again - while that may work for some people, sleeping slightly off-kilter or diagonally actually creates a flat surface area and allows you to recline completely, essentially creating a bed - brillant! You can adjust the position to create any amount of desired curvature by using the adjustable webbing straps.
Even the hypnotic swaying of a hammock has science to back it as the perfect method to help induce sleep. As reported in Current Biology, researchers write that “a rocking motion, long employed by parents to lull infants to sleep, synchronizes brainwaves, leading to deeper sleep with a quicker onset.”
Sleeping in a hammock eliminates the firm, non-pliable, stiff surface that some mattresses give us. Fancy mattresses can run in the thousands of bucks too! Some mattresses are too soft and can hurt your back by overextending it if you're on your side or stomach. Mattresses that are too hard will leave you with aches and pains around specific contact points.
Sure, we still have gravity - but the contours of a hammock wrap you in and don't let your limbs fall flat like they would on a flat surface. The sides provide support for your legs if you want to rest them up, but aren't too firm to prevent you from moving limbs wherever they want to go. In fact, our surveyed sleepers reported that they barely move at all during the night anymore! Check it out their responses.
Why did you decide to forego the bed and switch to a hammock?
"Slept in a hammock for the two months’ time that I spent hiking over 700 miles of the Appalachian Trail. I returned to my parents’ house to heal after an injury forced me off trail. Sleeping in my childhood bed not only didn’t help me heal, but caused further physical pain and discomfort. Instead of paying exorbitant prices for something that would be difficult to move individually, I purchased a decent hammock stand (<$150) and made the switch!"
What is the #1 benefit you get from sleeping in a hammock?
"Sound, pain-free sleep, waking up fully refreshed."
"Other than the cool/eccentric/different/mysterious factor, I get unparalleled physical relief and wake up feeling comfortable and revitalized."
How does your quality of sleep compare to sleeping in a bed?
"It is infinitely better."
"UNPARALLELED. I cannot express how far superior I find the quality of sleep in a hammock, over a bed."
So there you have it, a few testimonials from tried and true hammock sleeping aficionados who swear by this age old sleeping device.
Do you suffer from back pain? Toss and turn throughout the night? Wish you could upgrade that mattress but find it too expensive?
FSO wants to challenge YOU to try sleeping in a hammock. We want to see more people rested and waking up to their best selves! We would love to hear from those who give it a go and what results you find in making the switch. We also want to know what works or doesn't work for you. Are you up for it?
Try 3 days. A single night is not enough to change your sleeping routine, because humans are programmed to be comfortable in the beds we routinely sleep in, so give it a few days to adjust and see how your sleep changes, and if it does, we would love to hear what you find!
Happy resting, hangers!
Need a hammock? Flying Squirrel Outfitters can outfit you with lightweight and durable parachute hammocks that are perfect for traveling, camping, day tripping or sleeping. They come in single and double sizes, and each hammock includes a set of adjustable straps.
Flying Squirrel Outfitters pride themselves on superior craftsmanship and avoid mass factory production. They exist to create sustainable social impact by empowering women through ethical job creation in rural areas in Thailand.
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