Do you have issues sleeping well in your hammock? Camping comes with its thrills and adventures, but to enjoy these energy-demanding thrills, you need to rest well.
A good sleeping routine in your hammock, is what energizes you for a full day of camping fun, let’s discuss what to do if you have problems sleeping well in your hammock.
To sleep better in your hammock, ensure you are using the right hammock, check that it is hung and anchored right, your weight and height need to be supported properly, make sure the foot end is raised higher, and lay diagonally (slanting) on your hammock.
It’s surprising right? that there is a sleeping position, for when sleeping on a hammock. There is an advised sleeping position for when using a hammock, this and more would be discussed in the article.
What To Do To Sleep Better On A Hammock
There are pros and cons to sleeping on a hammock, especially when camping or hiking. However seeing that it is light and versatile, many expert campers, advise you to carry along a quality hammock during your adventurous activities.
However, if it’s your first time or you have issues sleeping well on a hammock. Here are some simple hacks to try out:
1. Take Note Of Your Hammock
When quality is considered, you get more comfort and pleasure out of it. Ensure your hammock is of the right material and quality. Many experts advise getting a double-sized hammock, for better rest and to fit your body weight and height.
Also, Hennessy hammock, parachute nylon hammock, or mock one are recommended hammocks for better sleep. You should ensure your hammock is anchored correctly and not tied on too tightly.
2. Your Hammock Should Have A Good Sag
This means, that when you hang your hammock, it should have a nice dip like a “banana shape”. This helps to accommodate your weight better and helps you relax comfortably on the hammock. Try not to hang your hammock too tightly, and you can measure 30 degrees from the horizontal, to get the perfect dip.
3. The Preferred Sleeping Position
We all have certain styles we take-on on when sleeping. However, when sleeping on a hammock, it is advised you lay diagonally (slanting) across your hammock. This is how it works, instead of lying flat, facing the two ends used to tie on your hammock, lie down across it instead.
Coupled with the visible sag on your hammock, you would rest better.
Note: side sleepers, or people that move around a lot when sleeping, should opt for a double-sized hammock, for more space. It is probably best to not sleep on your stomach on a hammock, and if you can’t, it’s best to avoid sleeping overnight on a hammock.
4. Use a Knee Pillow To Relieve Pressure
Although hammocks are made to lie diagonally without leg pains, sometimes depending on your height and the size of the hammock, you may experience leg cramps when lying across. It is best to get a longer hammock to fit your needs, or you can use a make-shift knee pillow to ease the pressure.
Simply place a small pillow, padding, or extra pillow, to help you sleep better.
5. The Foot End Should Be Raised Higher
When hanging your hammock, bear in mind that the foot end should be raised 8-10 inches higher, to prevent your heavier torso from sliding into the middle. Now for better sleep, a raised food end should help accentuate your sleeping curve better, helping you sleep more comfortably.
6. Make Sure To Attach A Tarp and Drip Line To Your Hammock
Using a tarp and drip line is useful to help protect you from heavy rainfall. Tie a drip line on your suspension, that is placed under an already inserted tarp, to keep your hammock from getting wet and giving you a cold.
7. For Extra Comfort And Warmth
You sleep better on your hammock when there is insulation and extra warmth on the material. Keeping a sleeping pad or under-quilt in your hammock would help give you extra comfort and warmth. With you compressing the sleeping pad, it gives for extra insulation and better sleep.
Note: you can place the sleeping pad inside your sleeping bag, to keep it from slipping under you.
8. Prepare To Sleep
It is good to have everything you need to be placed, so you don’t have to get out of your hammock when you lay down.
Use a bug net, if your hammock doesn’t come with one, to shelf yourself from insect bites when you sleeping. You can gently sway or cradle yourself, people find that this, helps them sleep better. Lastly, hang (tie) your boots on your preferred anchor, so it stays dry all through the night.
Conclusion
Sleeping overnight on a hammock requires, some prep-up and practicing some mindful hacks.
It may take some getting used, to getting good sleep on your hammock. But with using a right and well-hung hammock, that has a good sag, with its foot end raised higher and extra insulation.
Don’t forget a good sleeping position too, you should get proper sleep.
