Have you ever fallen asleep in a hammock only to wake up with a stiff neck? To most people, this is always the results. Whether you are camping or using your hammock as a place to rest at home, using a hammock is something that is enjoyed by some people, but most people prefer other means rather than using it. To help you out, this article will focus on how to sleep in a hammock properly and wake up fresh and rejuvenated. While you don’t need any knowledge to use a hammock, a bit of experience is the key to having a restful sleep. However, you don’t need to stress out. There are ways you can sleep peacefully in a hammock.

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How to sleep in a hammock properly:

Select the best hammock for your needs

The primary factor of getting the best sleep is by selecting the best hammock. When choosing one, you need to concentrate on the material, size and even the length. Some people prefer those made using nylon or polyester. These types are comfortable to lay in for as long as you want and they dry faster. You should always avoid hammock made using ropes or slats hammocks, and they can cause rope burn and discomfort.

When it comes to height and weight, depending on your needs, you can get a small medium or even larger size. They also vary in width. You can go for a wide, long hammock if you want to sleep comfortably. An 8 feet long Hammock can be a great one. Also, you can choose between single and double depending on your preferences and needs.

Hang the hammock in the right way

There is nothing as annoying as lying in a place that isn’t comfortable. Hanging yours is not rocket science, but it’s vital. For instance, a too tight Hammock will be very uncomfortable and a loose hanging one even more uncomfortable. If possible hang your hammock between trees that are at least 12 to 15 feet apart. However, you should always remember that you need to know the exact measures before choosing the trees.

Here is how to know if your hammock is too tight or not:

• Extra fabric will be flapping in your face
• Extra shoulder squeeze
• Has Canoe Effect especially when the rails are tight, but the center is loose
• The hammock is wobbly

Make sure the angle is right

When hanging, there are things you need to check. Start with the angle between the hammock line and pole or tree. The angle should be anything between 30-45 degrees. It is always advisable to make sure that you lie on your hammock’s center line to be relative to the angle you desire. Also, when it comes to laying down, make sure you are at an angle that will help you avoid sinking into the fabric which can be frustrating and suffocating.  Always keep in mind that you don’t need to sleep diagonally. Also, a slightly tilted hammock leaves a more level surface to sleep.

Also, it’s always better to check the deep curve. The hammock’s deep curve should not be too suspended and too loose. Too suspended and it will difficult to relax and too loose will be so uncomfortable. For most comfortable position for first-timers, it’s good to try and lay parallel to the hammock.

Accessorize

Another tip on how to sleep in a hammock properly is adding some accessories to your hammock before you sleep. Don’t settle in without a pillow. If it is not available, add clothing-stuffed sack. The pillow comes in handy while camping. You can also add a sleeping bag and a blanket. If you are camping, consider wearing long underwear to keep you warm at night and safe from bugs. A blanket should be large enough to allow you to wrap yourself leaving no room for the cold at night.

Before you sleep in the hammock here are some things you need to do:

• Sit in the middle: There are many ways of getting into your hammock, but it’s advisable to always start by sitting down in the middle to be able to distribute your weight evenly. After sitting, slide your legs in the hammock before sliding your upper body too.
• Your back should be slightly off the center: When sleeping in a hammock makes sure you lie diagonally and your back is slightly off center. The angle you position yourself should support your weight and at the same time prevent you from sinking into the material.
• Slide until you feel cradled: Try to slide up and down until you feel your head is well supported by the hammock. Your head and legs should be closer to the edge. Find the right diagonal position that makes you comfortable from head to toe.
• Place a rolled up blanket or pillow under the knees: To protect your back, consider placing a pillow under your knees. The pillow should always be thin to ensure you avoid lower back injury or pain. If you don’t have a pillow or a blanket, try crossing your legs. Cross them at the ankles, but it will be tricky to maintain the position while sleeping.

Wrap up

Our last tip on how to sleep in a hammock properly would be wrapping up. Before you doze off, wrap yourself to stay warm. Most hammocks come with extra fabric to wrap around yourself and stay warm at night. Whether it’s cold or warm, wrapping yourself can help you with many things like bugs, protect your skin and keep you warm at the same time.

Conclusion

Sleeping in a hammock is one thing that most people would love to do. However, you need to know how to sleep in a hammock properly to avoid stiff necks and uncomfortable night’s sleep. The support of the material and the gentle rocking make hammock an excellent place for longer, deeper sleep.

But choosing the right material, height and weight are some of the things that make it excellent. Also, know how to install one the right way helps a lot. Next time you want to sleep in a hammock, make sure you follow the rules above, and you won’t regret getting a hammock for whatever course you want.