It is a general query of the people whether hammocks are comfortable or healthy enough to sleep in or not. Hammocks can be used at home or even on a long backpacking trip.
But are they comfortable? Will you wake up with neck and back pain if you fall asleep on it for too long? Let us start from scratch.
What Hammock is?
A hammock is a netting suspended between two poles or points, usually used for sleeping or resting. The netting is a woven network of ropes that is spread between two anchor points. Nowadays, hammocks are used for relaxation and as a lightweight bed while camping.
Currently, a wide range of hammocks is available in the market. Some are specially designed for camping purposes, whereas some are designed in a way to rest at home. Some are made up of lightweight materials which makes them ideal for day trips, whereas some include mosquito netting along with pockets for night time storage.
Why is it Good to Sleep on a Hammock?
Most of the doctors recommend sleeping on hammocks. It is said that lying on one’s back with the head slightly elevated helps in providing optimal blood circulation to the brain rather than congestion. It also provides unobstructed breathing.
The health benefits are just scratching the surface. There are medical hammocks that are used in premature baby therapy. And then there are hammocks which are used in the treatment of arthritis, acid reflux, sleep Apnea, autism, or to simply reduce stress and provide a healthier sleep.
It is good to see science and native culture going simultaneously.
Mistakes People Make While Using Hammock and how to avoid them:
Here is a list of certain common mistakes people make while using their hammocks.
Lying in it wrong-
Lying in it wrong- You don’t have to lie in your hammock with your hand at one end, and leg at the other. The right way to relax in your hammock is diagonal. This way you can spread the hammock to its maximum width to have more space.
Hanging it wrong-
Hanging the hammock incorrectly might lead to an unexpected fall while lying. So, make sure you read the instructions correctly while hanging the hammock. Make sure you choose the anchor points strong enough.
Not checking the weather-
Usually, people don’t read the weather forecast and take their hammocks anywhere and everywhere. So, keep a check on the weather forecast and accordingly put up the hammock. This will surely help you save your hammock from harsh weather conditions.
Standing on it-
Usually, people try to stand on their hammocks which brings all their weight in one place. It leaves the hammock with holes in it. So, try not to put all your weight at a point while you hop on the hammock. Use the hammock for the purpose it is meant to be.
Picking the wrong spot to hang out
Hilly regions and rough terrain an attractive places to hang out, and so the people hang their hammocks. It doesn’t have good results if the setup gives out. So, try finding a place that has plain ground because obviously, you would not want to get poked down there.
To Know More About US Hammock Camping Check This Article: National Parks For Hammock Camping in the US.
Safety tips to follow while using a hammock
Hammocks are very safe and easy to get into. Here are some safety tips that children and adults should follow while they use their hammocks.
Go for the best one you can afford-
Handmade hammocks are the best. They are sturdy, comfortable, and convenient. So, buy the best quality hammocks because safety is better than cure.
Beware while hanging your hammock-
Make sure that the hammock is anchored correctly. Remember, it will only be as strong as what it is fixed to. And make sure the two anchoring points are not far away.
Use the hammock correctly-
Hammocks can withstand only a certain weight. So, make sure you don’t add extra weight to the hammock else you will find yourself on the ground. No one probably wishes that.
Do not stand-
Try not to put all your weight in one place. Avoid standing on the hammock, or else it will get torn, and the hammock will be left with holes in it.
Follow the height criteria-
Make sure you hang the hammock below the height of 2′ or else a fall or malfunction could cause injury to you or the other people around you.
Forget about the bad experiences you had while falling asleep on rope hammocks and waking up with weird patterns all over your face. Buy a comfortable and good quality hammock, learn how to sleep in it correctly and try spending a full night in it if you have never tried it before.