Are Hammocks Good to Sleep In? A Simple Guide for 2023

Whether you’re looking for somewhere to nap, or you’re looking for an alternative sleeping set-up – hammocks are a good alternative.

A recent study found that around 40% of Australians struggle with getting a good night’s sleep. More than 59% of individuals reported symptoms of struggling to falls asleep, waking too early, or not being able to get back to sleep. If you find yourself in the 2/3 of Australians that struggle with sleeplessness, then it may be time to look at alternatives.

Hammocks are inherently associated with relaxation and rest – and for good reason too. The warm cocoon and natural swinging motion actually mimic our childhood comfort sensors. The feeling of wrapping up in a hammock is a great way to alleviate pressure points in your body and use the natural sway of the hammock to get yourself to sleep.

In this article, we’ll take a look at why our hammocks are a worthy alternative to a traditional bed and how you can achieve a restful sleep or nap thanks to an inexpensive hammock.

What Research Shows Us About Sleeping in A Hammock 

For many, the idea of sleeping in a hammock may seem a little earthy. Afterall, hammocks are mainly used as a way to relax in the outdoors – so the idea of sleeping in one at night-time might not be your first consideration.

However, despite the misconceptions, there is significant research that shows hammocks can promote a deeper sleep and provide a viable alternative to a bed. The study took place over ten years ago and showed that a study of twelve male volunteers between the ages of 22 and 38 experienced the same quality of sleep in a hammock and a bed.

So then, if you’re looking to promote deeper sleep and your bed just isn’t doing it for you, it may be worth considering a hammock.

Sleeping in a Hammock vs. A Bed – What’s the Difference? 

The main difference between sleeping in a hammock and sleeping in a bed is the positioning of your limbs and your body.  Like we mentioned before, a hammock mimics the sleeping position of babies when they are in carriers.

The gentle rocking motion and warm cocoon sensation of a hammock provides the body with a deeply comforting feeling that can take pressure away from your back and puts your feet in a naturally elevated position to promote blood flow. Just like a marathon runner places their legs in an elevated position before a race to promote blood flow, the same feeling can be replicated through the position achieved in a hammock. 

Can Sleeping in a Hammock Help With Insomnia?

Insomnia is estimated to impact 10-30% of the Australian population, yet it is seldom reported on or spoken about in health reports. Insomnia is a sleep problem that can lead to other health issues and is characterised by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep – irrespective of how much time you have spent in bed.

If you are one of the millions of Australians that suffer from Insomnia or Insomnia like symptoms, then you have probably done just about everything you can to promote a better night’s sleep – but what about changing your sleep setup completely?

Sleeping in a hammock may be the perfect antidote for those of you who are suffering from insomnia. Hammocks provide a more natural sleeping position compared to beds and offer a number of benefits such as improved back and joint support. Above all, hammocks are not your bed, which, for many people who suffer from insomnia, is an important factor. You see, the longer you have suffered from insomnia, the more likely you are to associate your bed as a place of stress and unrest. Changing your sleeping setup entirely to a hammock can reconfigure your brain and ‘trick’ your body into a deepened state of relaxation.

If you’re looking for a natural cure to your insomnia that doesn’t require medication, give sleeping in a hammock a try. Not only can it improve your quality of sleep, but it can also change the way that your mind approaches sleep time each night.

How Hammocks Can Promote Back Health

Did you know that sleeping in a hammock can promote better spinal alignment and improve your back health? Hammocks are designed to support and distribute weight evenly throughout your body to prevent any lopsided pressure points that may occur when sleeping in a traditional bed. Additionally, sleeping in a hammock also encourages us to sleep on their side or stomach which are typically much better sleeping potions.

Because you are suspended in mid-air, hammocks also do not experience the same kind of compression or wear that is synonymous with a mattress. Elevating your body off the ground means that pressure is taken away from sensitive joints like your hips and your spine which promotes better alignment and posture while you rest. 

Final Thoughts 

We get it, hammocks may not have been first to mind when you think about getting a better night’s rest. With that said, if you’re someone who struggles to get a good night’s rest, a hammock may be a good starting point to test out new, alternative sleeping arrangements. Make sure you do your research and invest in a high-quality indoor hammock that is designed for indoor use.