9 Benefits of Sleeping in a Hammock
1. Faster sleep onset & deeper sleep (the rocking effect)
Gentle swaying has been shown to help people fall asleep faster, spend more time in restorative non‑REM sleep, and wake less often.
2. Consistent comfort
A properly sized hammock removes pressure points from hips/shoulders and gives a repeatable 'sweet spot' every night.
3. Space saver
A hammock plus two anchors or a compact stand can free up several square feet versus a bed/mattress frame.
4. Cooler sleep in warm rooms
Airflow above and below you helps with heat dissipation.
5. Easy to move/clean
Cotton or performance‑fabric hammocks are easy to wash; there's no bulky mattress to flip or vacuum.
6. Budget‑friendly
A quality hammock + stand can cost far less than a decent mattress and base.
7. Great for small apartments & multipurpose rooms
Unclip it during the day or slide the stand aside.
8. Back‑friendly for some sleepers
Many report reduced morning stiffness when they find a good diagonal lay.
9. It's genuinely relaxing
The gentle sway and cocoon feel are a nightly wind‑down ritual.
Note: Benefits 1–2 are supported by laboratory studies of gentle rocking during sleep; the rest are practical advantages reported by daily hammock sleepers.
Potential Downsides (Read These Before You Switch)
- Learning curve:Poor size/angle or anchors placed too high/low can cause discomfort.
- Back/health considerations:If you have spine, shoulder, or circulation issues—or sleep apnea—talk to your clinician first. Side sleeping can be trickier in narrow hammocks.
- Couples:Most people sleep better solo. If sharing, choose an extra‑wide Brazilian‑style hammock or consider two hammocks.
- Anchors & rentals:Wall/ceiling mounts require solid studs and may not be allowed in leased units (use a freestanding stand instead).
- Safety:Never hang higher than chair height; don't suspend over sharp objects or near hazards.
Bedroom‑Ready Picks (Amazon, Easy to Try)
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Best 'first try' kit (stand included):
Vivere Double Cotton Hammock with 9‑ft Space‑Saving Steel Stand— fast setup, stable, and comfy for most bedrooms.
Great hammock body for nightly sleep (no stand):
Hammock Sky Brazilian Double Hammock— soft woven cotton and generous width for a flatter diagonal lay.
Premium cotton option:
LA SIESTA Modesta Organic Cotton Hammock (Double)— durable fabric made for daily use.
Stand only (if you already have a hammock):
Vivere Universal 9‑ft Space‑Saving Steel Hammock Stand— adjustable hooks to fine‑tune sag indoors.
Wall/ceiling anchors (use studs only):
ENO Deluxe Indoor Hammock Hanging Kit— purpose‑built hardware with installation guide.
How to Set Up a Hammock as Your Bed (Quick Guide)
Pick the right style & size
For nightly sleep, a Brazilian‑style or other fabric bed ~10–11 ft long and ~58–65 in wide is the easiest to get comfortable in. Wider is better for a flat diagonal lay.
Choose stand vs. anchors
Stands are landlord‑friendly and tool‑free. If anchoring to walls/ceiling, use purpose‑made hardware and hit structural studs only—not drywall.
Height & angle
Aim for a ~30° hang angle with the foot end 6–12" higher than the head end. Seat height should be chair height (~18"/45 cm).
Lie diagonally
Don't lie like a banana. Turn your body 10–30° off center so the fabric opens flat under you.
Knee comfort trick
If you feel a ridge under your knees, place a small pillow or rolled blanket beneath them.
Bedding
Use a lightweight top quilt or blanket and your usual pillow. In cool rooms, add a thin underquilt or fleece throw under the hammock body.
Check creak/noise
Tighten bolts on stands occasionally and verify anchors remain snug.
Hammock vs. Bed: Quick Comparison
| Hammock | Bed |
|---|---|
| Lower cost; portable; great airflow; space‑efficient | Traditional feel; easy for couples; broad style options |
| Setup/angle matters; solo sleep is best | Bulky; expensive; fixed footprint |
| Easy to clean; fewer dust‑trapping components | Mattress can harbor dust/mites if not maintained |
Is It Actually Better for Sleep?
Small controlled studies show that gentle rocking (about 0.25 Hz) helps adults fall asleep faster, increases time in deeper non‑REM sleep, and reduces awakenings—mechanisms linked with better next‑day memory. That doesn't mean a hammock will cure medical issues, but it explains why many people feel more rested when they sway to sleep.
Not medical advice. If you have persistent pain, sleep apnea, reflux needing elevation, or other conditions, consult your clinician before switching full‑time.
Safety Essentials
- • Anchor to solid studs (or use a quality stand). Follow the hardware's weight ratings.
- • Keep your sit height ~chair level and clear the floor of hazards.
- • Don't hang over sharp furniture, heaters, or where a fall could injure you.
- • Infants should not sleep in hammocks.
Related Guides
Bottom line: If you set it up right, a bedroom hammock can be comfortable, affordable, and wonderfully relaxing. Try a stand kit first so you can test the waters without drilling a single hole.