Have you ever slept in a hammock before? You may have as a child or even when relaxing while on the campgrounds! It feels so good to simply swing around and relax on a hammock, especially with a good environment.
But is sleeping in a hammock bad for your back? Some people have wondered about this as they plan to sleep in these permanently, or for most of their upcoming camping trips! Read on to see if hammocks are beneficial for your body and if you should consider using them for the long term.
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Is Sleeping In a Hammock Bad For Your Back?
A lot of us worry about how hammocks won’t be able to support our backs, leading to pain. However, they can be quite beneficial for both our back and sleep quality!
If you have ever slept in hammocks, then you probably know how relaxing it feels. It encloses and rocks you, taking away the pressure you feel from the lower back. Furthermore, the swaying and rocking will engage the vestibular system, putting you to sleep better.
That’s why as long as your hammock is properly set up, then you can start sleeping on it and reap the health benefits it offers. It is NOT bad for your back, nor will it hurt it when resting on it for the long term.
Hammocks will force you to sleep on your back and prevent you from moving around compared to sleeping on a large bed. This will reduce any pressure on your spine, making it feel comfier if you suffer from any pre-existing back pain.
Take note that one of the healthiest sleep position is lying on your back with your head slightly elevated. This will give your brain optimum blood circulation instead of congestion, allowing for better breathing. Because you’re enclosed and unable to shift positions, you stay lying on your back, keeping your body properly supported.
Besides helping your back, did you know that hammocks are incredibly versatile and beneficial for your sleep quality? They are comfortable and promote relaxation not just for sleeping, but when you simply want to lounge and read.
When sleeping, it helps improve insomnia symptoms, encouraging faster and deeper sleep. The rocking can even help with brain waves, boosting your mental health.
Fortunately, you CAN sleep in hammocks every day to reap these benefits and stay free from back pain. You don’t have to deal with space, sweating, bedbugs, and dust, as well as any sweating or overheating thanks to better breeze underneath.
Read More: Why Does Campfire Smoke Follow You – It Is Not As Simple As You Think!
If you want to know more about the health benefits sleeping in hammocks has to offer, check out this interesting video:
When Is a Hammock NOT Good For You?
While hammocks are safe and beneficial to relieve back pain, they aren’t for everyone!
For those who have any spinal problems or specific nerve conditions, then hammocks may aggravate your back further. You will need to check in with your doctor to see if you’re allowed to sleep on hammocks without your condition worsening.
Besides this, sleeping on hammocks is a personal choice. Some people may not feel comfortable compared to others, due to the rocking or sleeping position. Be sure to try it out for a few days and see if you’re able to get a good night’s sleep without back pain.
If not, then you can switch back to your bed or sleeping bag, if you plan on using a hammock for camping purposes.
Sleeping In a Hammock
You can only feel less back pain when sleeping on a hammock if you set it up correctly. If not, then there’s a chance that it can fall and injure you.
That’s why you need to make sure that you select a hammock that’s strong enough to support your weight and made with durable material to last. You may want to get one that covers your body rather than one made with ropes to prevent marking.
When setting up your hammock, it should be formed in 30 degrees for better relaxation. It should be only up to 75 centimeters above the floor and supported with two strong poles.
When sleeping on it, you just need to carefully go in and grab a blanket, then sway a bit and start sleeping!
Wrapping It Up
Sleeping in a hammock has its many health benefits, it isn’t just something to relax on from time to time! Now, you can have a hammock to comfortably sleep in every day and it can be relaxing for the entire body, including the back. Just be sure to practice proper sleeping hygiene and a good position to keep your back pain-free.
I hope that this article answered your question, “is sleeping in a hammock bad for your back?” Now that you know the answer, start seeing if a hammock suits your sleeping needs now. If you want to sleep with your back and quality sleep, you can take a look at this.
