I have always fancied owning a hammock.  But I tend to keep putting the purchase off as I have other things I need to buy and boring bills that need to be paid.  However, having done a little research on hammock ownership I have made my mind up that this summer I might make the investment.  Owning a hammock can be have considerable health benefits.  Read on to find out more.

Improve Sleep

When children are little gently swaying them helps them go off to sleep.  I fondly remember those days of my boys nodding off to sleep in my arms.  Well hammocks with the rocking motion can have the similar impact.  If you are struggling to sleep buying a hammock may well help resolve that problem.  Until rocking beds are mainstream a hammock sounds worthy of a try anyway!  Although research into hammocks and improving sleep is currently very limited.  But the takeaway from it seemed to indicate a rocking action was more beneficial than a stationary bed at improving sleep.

Alongside falling to sleep quicker the research found that those in a moving bed had a deeper sleep.  Deep sleep has lots of added benefits like restoring energy, improving your immune system and regenerating cells so anything that can support that is worthy of investigation.

The swinging action influences on our brain waves that can make even insomniacs sleep better.  You can even get double or family hammocks so you have enough space for everyone!

Better Sleeping Position

Apparently with a hammock you move around in your sleep less which is supposedly better for you.  The folds of the hammock support you, so you can’t roll over to your side or sleep on your front.  The best sleeping position is on your back, but at home I tend to stay curled up on my side!  Lately I have found I wake up quite uncomfortable so I would be keen to see how I fare with a full night in a hammock!  Up until now I have only had a short go on holiday, a quick sit down and a swing before moving on to another activity.

If you are unsure about anything to do with hammocks, Hammock Giant have a good resource guide including how to lie in a hammock.

Avoiding Pressure Points

A hammock supports your body, so you don’t have the discomfort of pressure on any part of your body.  I find my hips can get quite tender sometimes sleeping in a bed.   Hammocks were a proper bed for Native Americans for years, so I am sorely tempted to make the swap!  There must have been a reason why it was so popular back then.

Stress Relief

Swinging in a hammock even just to read is very relaxing.  Stress that has been allowed to build up can lead to considerable health problems.  Some say that being in a hammock is like returning to that swaddled protective state we had in the womb.  That’s why for many swinging in a hammock can be very therapeutic and soothing.