Switching to a hammock

Want to get a better night of sleep? Try switching to a hammock.

I used to toss and turn all night and wake up with a sore lower back. I had difficulty falling and staying asleep.  I would wake up still tired.  My bed was at least 15 years old and needed to be replaced.

The idea of shopping for a new mattress was overwhelming.  There are so many options…memory foam, sleep number, coil spring, gel top, and many other characteristics all promised the best night sleep ever.  The price tags were even more discouraging.  The options started around $900 and climbed quickly.  Laying on a bed in a store for a few minutes was not enough time to make that big of a commitment.

After more online research, I came across people who sleep in hammocks every night.  The most promising thing is that the risk of trying it is very low.  I found many hammock options under $100.

So, I decided to give it a try.  And, I’m glad I did!

Benefits of switching to a hammock

Here are some of the benefits I found:

1. 1.  I fell asleep quicker.
   2. I slept more soundly.  I didn’t toss and turn.  I woke up in the same position I was in when I fell asleep.
   3. The cost.  (Way cheaper than a mattress!)
   4. The ability to quickly and easily move it out of the way and have the whole room.  The hammock can be tucked into its bag giving you room to jump, play, workout, or whatever.  

5.  The hammock is better to sit in and read than a bed.

6.  You get close with the one’s you love.  This one could be good or bad.  Sleeping with the dog is great.  But, I’m not sure how it would be sleeping with a partner in a hammock.  You would probably be rolled up on top of each other and fighting for space.  So, hammock sleeping is probably better done alone.

7.  No more making the bed.

8.  No need for washing and folding (or trying to fold) those fitted sheets.

9.  You feel like a kid again.  It’s just fun.

Consider these things when making the switch to a hammock

I’ve been sleeping in a hammock now for several months.  The kids tried mine out and now sleep in hammocks as well.  We all love them and recommend that everyone give it a try before you go out and drop tons of money on a new mattress.  If you are considering giving it a try, consider the following:

1. Make sure you get one without the spreader bars.  They are great for naps, but not the best for every night sleeping.
2. On cold nights, you will need something above and below you since the fabric of the hammock is not enough to keep your bum warm.  We all sleep in sleeping bags in the winter.  On warmer nights, a blanket is sufficient.
3. It is best to sleep at a small diagonal.  The more of an angle you sleep in, the flatter your arch.

4.  Follow the recommendations with the hammock on spacing your hooks closely.  If they are too close, you will have too much sag.  If they are too far apart, the sides will be too tight and the hammock will close up on you when you get in and you will feel like a caterpillar in a cocoon.

Check out these hammocks and give one a try.  Be warned, you might not ever want to go back to a traditional flat mattress.