Definitive Guide on How to Sleep in a Hammock

How to sleep in a hammock? Well, if you know the right trick then hammock would be your best place to spend some quality time with yourself and your loved one. The portable design gives you more freedom of carrying it anywhere you want and requires few minutes to set it up.

Sleeping in a hammock at the beach or spending a night under the dark sky full of stars is fun. Moreover, having the right knowledge of sleeping in a hammock with the best posture would help you to avail its therapeutic benefits as well.

Therapeutic Benefits

Experts said that swinging in a hammock can improve your sleep, treats insomnia, cures autism in kids, and the right posture can even take care of your back. Choose a hammock considering your height and weight, then set up properly and lay down at a good angle for better sleep.

Bad experiences in a hammock usually due to two things: using a hammock that is poorly manufactured or designed, or simply sleeping in wrong postures in the hammock. Let us go through the points below to understand how to sleep in a hammock properly.

How to Sleep in a Hammock to Support Your Back

Hang the Hammock Properly

Don't hang it too tight or too low, as you surely need plenty of curve in it for relaxing. Hang the hammock between 2 trees at least 12 to 15 feet (3.7 to 4.6 m) apart.

Important: Make sure the trees or poles are good and can stand firm without swaying due to wind or weather. Use hammock rope and wide webbing or bungee cords to secure the hammock.

Make Sure There is a Deep Curve

The hammock should never be left too tight, as this can make it difficult to relax while you sleep. Always hang at least 12 to 18 inches loose (30 to 46 cm) from the ground level, with a good and round curve from pole to pole.

Take a Pillow

Put a pillow and a blanket in the hammock for comfort. Treat the hammock like a bed and include comforting details like a small pillow and a warm blanket.

Pro Tip: Use an extra pillow to elevate your knees for better comfort and lower back support.

Consider the Weather

If sleeping in hammock outside, wear warm sleeping clothes like long sleeves, socks, long underwear, or a hat to resist sunlight and temperature changes.

Shelter Your Hammock

Have a tarp on hand for protection from wind and rain. Make sure you get a weatherproof tarp within reaching distance of the hammock. Lay the tarp over the hammock as needed, ensuring it covers the entire hammock.

Related Guide: How to Hammock in the Rain?

Essential Accessories

Get your accessories before you settle in for the night. Add a pillow (or clothing-stuffed sack if camping), blanket or sleeping bag, and socks, long underwear and base layer (even in warm climates).

For a good sleep in a hammock, you will want a blanket large enough to wrap your body. This also protects you from mosquitos and other insects.

How to Lay in a Hammock for Better Sleep

Sit down in the middle of the hammock

Position yourself in the center for balance and stability.

Lay down diagonally on your back

Slightly off center to sleep without any back pain.

Slide until you feel cradled

Move up or down on the hammock until you feel properly supported.

Place pillow under knees

Use a pillow or rolled-up blanket under your knees to protect your back.

Wrap yourself up

Use hammock fabric or a blanket to stay warm and comfortable.

Key Positioning Tips

Angle In: Don't lay parallel to the hammock. Start diagonally with your feet and head pressing out to expand the hammock for the most comfortable position.

Wrap Up: Hammocks can turn cold without proper covering. Wrap yourself in a blanket for warmth and insect protection.

Chill Out: Push feet out, move around a little to get completely comfortable. Position the pillow for maximum comfort.

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