Pros & Cons of Sleeping in a Hammock

Can you sleep in a hammock every night? Is it comfortable? Is it good for you? These are excellent questions and you’re not alone in asking them!

In some warmer climates, it’s commonplace for people to sleep in a hammock. For some, it can help them fall asleep quicker, stay asleep for longer, and feel more comfortable during the night. For others, it keeps them cool and saves space in small living areas.

If you’re wondering whether you should swap your bed for a hammock, there can be a lot of benefit in doing so, both in terms of sleep quality and comfort.

However, there are some things to consider before you make the switch. We’ll call them “cons”, but it really depends on how you view things as to whether they are good or bad.

Keep reading to explore the pros and “cons” of sleeping in a hammock to help you decide if making the switch is right for you!

What are the Pros of Sleeping in a Hammock?

Many people choose to sleep in a hammock, not just because it’s normal where they live, but also because of the benefits they provide.

Here’s a quick overview of some of the benefits of sleeping in a hammock instead of a bed.

 

1. It Saves Space in Small Bedrooms

Do you have a small bedroom? No problem! Having a hammock as your bed is an easy way to save space in a smaller-than-average bedroom.

Even if you have to use a stand for your hammock instead of fixing it to the walls or ceiling, it can still be more space-saving than a bed will ever be!

Plus, it’ll be easy to move around. If you need more space to do something else in your bedroom, like exercise, you can simply shift it to the side or into a corner.

2. It Can Be Good for Your Back

Waking up with back pain from a bad mattress is just the worst. Depending on your body shape and how you sleep, a mattress can put pressure on your shoulders and back – and not in a good way.

One way of fixing the problem is to invest in a good mattress. But another great thing to try is sleeping in a hammock!

The flexibility and stretch in the material can mean less pressure is applied to specific points in your body, therefore reducing the likelihood of waking up in pain.

Just bear in mind that there aren’t any studies to prove the benefits of sleeping in a hammock for relieving back pain, according to Healthline (source). It’s best to consult your doctor for advice or do your research if you have back problems and need a suitable remedy.

3. They’re Small & Portable

If you’re going camping or traveling, sleeping in a hammock is an ideal solution. Because they’re small and lightweight, they’re easy to transport from one place to the next.

Plus, instead of lugging around an air mattress and pumping it up every night, a hammock will be much quicker and easier to set up when it’s time for a pitstop.

Likewise, if you move home frequently, having a hammock as your bed will be easier to move than a bed and a mattress, so you won’t need to worry about hiring a removal company quite as often.

4. You Can Sway Yourself to Sleep

Since hammocks gently sway as you lay in them, you can use the soft momentum to rock yourself to sleep every night. It’ll be pleasant, comforting, and maybe even relaxing at the end of a stressful day.

Studies have even suggested that the gentle movement of a hammock can help you fall asleep quicker and reach a deeper sleep (source).

If you have insomnia or struggle to fall asleep at night, trialing sleeping in a hammock could be just the thing you need!

5. It’s a Neater Bed

With a hammock in your bedroom, you’ll never need to worry about making your bed again. Since hammocks fold away into themselves naturally when not in use, they’ll always look stylish, no matter how messy your blankets are inside!

What are the Cons of Sleeping in a Hammock?

Despite the benefits of sleeping in a hammock, there are some “cons” to consider before you commit to swapping your bed for a hammock full-time.

Here are some of the downsides to sleeping in a hammock you should consider before you swap it for your bed.

1. They’re Not Good for Sharing

One of the biggest downsides to using a hammock as a bed is that they’re not great for sharing. If you usually share a bed with someone else, a hammock may not be the most ideal swap to make permanently.

However, you can get Jumbo Hammocks or Double Hammocks that are suitable for two people to lounge in. But they’re probably better for sharing as a one-off rather than every night. It could easily get cramped and uncomfortable sleeping night after night in a two-person hammock!

If you want to sleep in a hammock with a partner, you’re better off buying two hammocks and placing them next to one another, so you’re within reach, but not in each other’s personal space.

2. They Can Be Tricky to Get Out Of!

Since a hammock is a raised, swinging bed, it can be tricky to get out of. But it’s all about practice!

Usually, you’ll just need to ensure your hammock isn’t so high that you have to “jump” out of it in the mornings, as this can cause injury or inconvenience.

Provided your hammock is secured at a good height for you to sleep in, you should get used to the swaying as you try to get out of it after a couple of uses.

3. It Moves Around

Hammocks move around when you move around, which can be a good or bad thing, depending on how you feel about having a wobbly bed!

As mentioned in the list of pros, the gentle movement of a hammock can actually help you fall asleep quicker and sleep deeply every night. But it depends on how you like to sleep.

Some people like the movement, and some people don’t. If you don’t like the sound of an unstable bed that’s always teetering and tottering, sleeping in a hammock full-time may not be for you.

What Hammocks are Best to Sleep In?

Any Caribbean hammock is comfortable enough to sleep in. When choosing to swap your bed for a hammock, you’re better off with a larger design that lets you fully stretch your legs and body.

A Jumbo Caribbean Hammock or a Double Caribbean Hammock are some of the largest and most comfortable hammocks you can get, making them the most ideal for sleeping in.

Depending on how much flexibility you’d like in your bed, some people also find the Mayan Caribbean Hammock without the wood spreader bar even more comfortable.

You can either fix these beds to a wall or ceiling using special Hanging Hardware or you can use a Tri-Beam Hammock Stand if your walls aren’t suitable.

Conclusion

Sleeping in a hammock instead of a bed has its benefits. It can save time, space, and help you fall asleep quicker. But if you frequently share a bed with someone else or movement makes you a little sea-sick, they may not be the right choice for you.

If you’re inspired to give sleeping in a hammock a try, explore our collection of Caribbean Hammocks today. Our artisan hammocks are hand-crafted and made from the finest materials to offer you the utmost comfort all night, every night!