Kill Your Bed: It’s Hammock Time!

For many people, the first thing to come to mind when they think of a hammock is Gilligan and the Skipper. Really, almost any sort of island or beach, deserted or otherwise, is a good fit for this mental connection. The thought of gently swaying in a warm island breeze under a brilliant blue sky while you sip a piña colada and listen to the waves crash on the shore. Everything that’s right with a relaxing beach vacation, all brought to mind by something as simple as a hammock. Today, more people are finding out the joys of sleeping in a hammock and replacing their bed all together.

Hammocks: A History

Hammocks have been around for quite some time. Originally created in South and Central Americas, hammocks were favored as a way to sleep safely without the fear of disease or infection from insect or animal bites due to the body being suspended off the ground. From there, the love of this form-fitting nest of comfort has spread throughout the world. Early sailors also used hammocks as a convenient means of sleeping the crew. Hammocks also kept the sailor from rolling out of bed should the ship pitch or rock from the waves.

See, even bears like hammocks!    Photo taken by: Beatrice Murch

Hammocks are favored for a wide variety of reasons whether they be space constraints, comfort, safety or just out right convenience. There’s a lot to be said for hammocks.

Small in Size, Big on Comfort

Probably one of the best selling points to a hammock is they don’t take up a lot of space. This makes them desirable for camping, vacations, or when you don’t want to haul a box spring mattress down three flights of stairs. They’re preferable for camping due to the fact that they can be rolled or folded easier than a mattress pad, while keeping you off the ground so you stay warm, dry, and safe from the local wildlife. College students can also make great use of hammocks, as they can be collapsed when not in use, saving extra space.

If you’re prone to chronic insomnia like so many others, a night in a hammock might help. Sleep studies have proven that the gentle rocking motion can help lull people to sleep and help you transition into an even deeper sleep. This means that you get more rest for the time you sleep and can wake up feeling more alert than you would on a normal bed.

Appeal to Your Sense of Style

Another great part about hammocks, unlike beds, is they come in a wide variety of styles, colors and materials. From the beautifully woven patterns of the Nicaraguan hammocks to the sheer nylon of a camping hammock, there’s a lot to choose from. Yet another advantage of hammocks over beds is never having to worry about fitted sheets or making your bed ever again.

When looking for the right hammock, it’s important to consider for what it is you intend to use it. If it’s for indoor use and general sleeping purposes, try to find some woven out of softer materials, such as cotton. This is also great in the summertime, when it gets hot, as a hammock breathes much easier than a bed. If you're looking at camping or travel, you’ve got more options than you might think. Parachute nylon hammocks are good because they’re waterproof, durable and super lightweight, with some weighing less than a pound. For comfort or lounging purposes, while camping or just as far as the back yard, you might consider something big and comfortable, such as a Brazilian or Mayan style hammock. If you’re not a fan of woven hammocks, a spreader bar style is a perfect way to keep the hammock from bunching up, without sacrificing the comfort you crave.

Whether you’re just looking for a great way to unwind at the end of the day, a more manageable camping solution, or a deeper sleep at night, a hammock can do all of these and much more. So kick the bed habit and try one out for yourself. Rest and relaxation are just a breeze away.