Have you ever slept in a hammock? Are hammocks good for your back? Good or bad, a hammock is a fantastic way to swing your feet off the ground after a long day at work. You feel wireless literarily, and the feeling is out of this world. The experience is similar to sleeping on a water bed.
If you experience sleep issues or you wake up with sore, stiff limbs and backs; the answer to your sleep problems could be to relax, recline and swing weightlessly in a hammock.
Sleeping in a hammock offers some advantages over the traditional mattress, it helps improve your blood flow and circulation and helps take the pressure off your joints. But are hammocks bad for your back?
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The Difference Between Sleeping in a Hammock and Sleeping in a Bed
The main difference between sleeping in a hammock and in your bed is the sleeping position- and this is important for your back health.
If you have ever slept in a hammock, you will understand why hammock is perfect. A hammock will enclose you, rock you, and take the pressure off your lower back. This gentle swaying and rocking, in turn, engages your vestibular system.
The human vestibular system is responsible for the adrenaline rush we get when we ride a roller coaster. It is also the reason why the subtle rocking of a child puts them to sleep.
Simply put, a hammock is incredibly relaxing!
A hammock will help you achieve a longer, restful, and deeper sleep.
Are Hammocks Bad For Your Back And Spine?
If your hammock is appropriately set up, then no! When you sleep in a hammock that is not bad for your back! It is good, actually! In fact, tossing and turning while you sleep is effectively eliminated with the way a hammock holds you. This is why it is safe for your back.
Some people think that a hammock will cause back pain, and this is not true. That discomfort we sometimes feel during a night’s rest (waking with sore, stiff limbs and backs) is as a result of turning and tossing in our sleep.
Sleeping in a hammock means you are forced to sleep on your back, which will help reduce pressure on your spine, making it super-comfortable, especially if you have pre-existing back pain.
Please note, if you have special nerve issues or spinal problems, do not sleep in a hammock. Consult your doctor to determine if sleeping in a hammock is a good fit for you.
Sleeping In a Hammock
If you read our article on “Hanging a Hammock Indoors,” you will realize that hammocks are not meant for outdoor use only. They can be hanged indoors. Hammocks had been used as sleeping beds by sailors in old ships and now are more favored than beds in South America!
Many Brazilian hammocks can be hung inside your home in several ways. If you are hanging your hammock outside this summer, you should include a mosquito net as part of your hammock setup. There is nothing worse than a mosquito buzz in your ear after drifting to sleep.
Sleeping in a hammock is comfortable and easy. Just grab a blanket to keep warm, and you are good to go.
What Are the Benefits of Sleeping in a Hammock?
Sleeping in a hammock is beneficial, and to enjoy these benefits, you don’t need to throw away your conventional beds. You can lounge in your hammock occasionally and still reap these benefits.
Hammocks should be installed with a mosquito net when setting up outside to enjoy sunrise or sunset. You can even install the hammock beside your bed, it’s that easy!
1. A Hammock Will Help You Achieve the Ideal Sleeping Position
Sleeping in a hammock entails moving into an ideal sleeping position; it cocoons you, keeping you there. This way, if functions a lot like a memory bed. Your hammock will not allow you to toss to either side, won’t let you sleep on your stomach, which can actually hurt your back.
Additionally, this position will keep your head adequately elevated, which is the ideal position for a restful night.
2. Helps You Fall Asleep Faster
A study has shown that hammock helps induce sleep. This could be because you are lying in a comfortable sleeping position.
Another reason could be the swaying, which lures you into a peaceful, restful, relaxed state. If you regularly toss and turn in your sleep and you are getting frustrated with the accompanying sore, stiff limbs and backs; sleeping in a hammock could just be what you need.
3. Hammock Help You Sleep Deeper
Apart from sleeping faster, hammock also helps you to sleep deeper. Sleeping in a hammock will help you achieve REM sleep, the deepest form of sleep. If you have a sleep disorder, it can take a while for you to fall into a deep sleep.
Deeper sleep helps improve your focus, lessens anxiety, and increases your memory. Also, deep sleep is positively correlated with improved work performance and a better mood.
4. Zero-pressure Point Rest
What does it mean?
A hammock is a zero-pressure point system because there are no contact points between the sleep surface and your body.
When you sleep on the ground, for instance, your body will be forced to conform to the surface. The reverse is the case when sleeping in a hammock; it conforms to your body instead. This way, there will be equal pressure throughout your whole body, eliminating the pressure in specific areas only.
5. Swaying in a Hammock Helps Your Brain
Swaying is a soothing action for most people. This explains why babies fall asleep when rocked back and forth. Swaying impacts the brain wave, which triggers rest and helps you fall asleep faster.
Swaying will also help you relax and unwind even if you are not sleeping, making it possible to relax after the hustle of the day.
Conclusion
Hammocks are not bad for your back.
They help improve sleep in many ways, without the need to altogether ditch your bed. They provide additional sleeping options instead and help you fall asleep faster.
If you have sleeping problems, or back pain, consider sleeping in a hammock. It is incredibly beneficial to your sleep and back health.