As hammock is taking over the world by storm, the age-old question rises, is a hammock better than a bed.
In ancient times, before even Colombus discovered the land of the free, people used to sleep in hammocks. Understandably it was the best solution at that time as there was a lot more forest than high-rise buildings. And it was a great invention to keep the creepy crawlers at bay.
But with time, this tradition changed. As people started to live in secure homes, the bed took the place of the hammock. Though it is still used, a hammock is mainly described as resting equipment by some, and for some, it is an alternative for the bed itself.
So should we swap our friendly old bed with the hammock? We will discuss that in our article.
Is a Hammock Better Than a Bed in Terms of Sleeping?
There is different research that claims that a hammock makes a person fall asleep faster than a bed. As these researchers are not that extensive, the results are debatable. Still, there are benefits of both the hammock and the bed on their own terms.
Benefits of a Hammock
There are a lot of benefits to sleeping in a hammock. The best of them is that it makes you fall asleep faster.
Researchers have concluded that the rocking motion and the floating sensation do this trick. It eases the brain faster and you go into the light sleep cycle faster. Some might even go into a deep sleep. Just like a baby’s cradle, the hammock does the same trick with adults.
As the hammock is suspended in the air, it takes up very little space in your room. Even in the outdoors, it is a great alternative to keep you safe and cozy at the same time. No wonder soldiers were given hammocks during the Vietnam war. It helped them stay safe, carry less weight and fall asleep faster.
The body is also benefited while you are laying down on a hammock. As there is no actual dense structure to push your spines, it takes the shape of your body and supports it ideally. It helps your body aches disappear as your body is in alignment with the right posture.
Also, the feeling of a warm hug cannot be denied. You need almost nothing to sleep in a hammock. Although there are mattresses for a hammock and you can use a pillow if you wanted, a hammock itself is an all-in-one option.
Benefits of a Bed
The bed is our best companion, no doubt about that. It has been on the scene for a very long time and we use our utmost effort to make it comfy.
As it takes up a whole lot of space in your room, you get to customize it to your will. It can be made taller, wider, and firmer.
One of the great things about the bed is the security. You don’t have to worry about falling while moving around. If you are not a steady sleeper, the bed is your wonderland. Lay down in whatever position you want, and you will have no trouble with it.
Apart from the customization and support, the bed is not prone to make you fall accidentally. It is stable and doesn’t move. So you don’t have to keep in mind that you are floating in the air. This makes your brain totally shut down while you are sleeping and you go into a deep sleep mode for a long time.
You can also put up soft mattresses and pillows to make them more comfortable and helpful to your body with a bed. If you want fewer pillows and a hard mattress, that option is also available.
Security is the best feature of a bed. As there is no chance of you falling from a height, you tend to think about it less and go to sleep with a sound mind.
Sleeping in a Hammock vs Bed, Which One Is Better?
If we are debating about which one is better, especially for sleeping, the bed is better than a hammock. Not only for comfort but also for security. The thought of falling and actually falling is high in a hammock.
But at the same time, we cannot deny the fact that the hammock is more relaxing and puts you to sleep faster than a bed. Especially for people affected by insomnia, the hammock does wonder.
The hammock can also cause pain in people’s back and spine, while the bed does not. But if you sleep in a bad position in a bed, the pain can get worse. So it is ideal you keep your position in check while you are in the bed.
We are going to say, the hammock is best for rest and light sleep while the bed is for a deeper one and for intimacy. You cannot get on a hammock and cuddle. It is almost impossible for two-person to be comfortable in a hammock. So best, take it to the bed. And leave the hammock for your reading, relaxing, and fun personal time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to use a hammock as a bed?
A hammock can do wonders to put you to sleep and achieve a REM sleep state. But if you are going to use it as a bed regularly, it is not a good option. The lack of back support and the mental dilemma for the brain is too much risky. And if you somehow go into shock while you are asleep and wake up suddenly, there is a high risk of injuring yourself while getting off a hammock. So better stay in bed.
Can I sleep in a hammock long-term?
No. The hammock can be used as resting equipment and for outdoor camping. Other than that, if you are thinking of sleeping in it for a long time, you might develop neck, back, and spine pain. Left aside the accidents might occur while getting up.
Why don’t we sleep in hammocks?
We don’t sleep in hammocks because of two things. One, deep sleep is hard to achieve in a rocking or swinging motion as the brain is active. Two, the hammock is a bit unsafe for you when you suddenly wake up.
Conclusion
The debate will keep on going whether a hammock is better than a bed. But you cannot replace your bed with a hammock if you want a worry-free sleep. You might schedule your sleeping time on your hammock to initiate your sleep and move to the bed once you are falling asleep. Or simply relax your afternoon in your hammock. But the bed stays as the superior comforting furniture, along with times with your loved ones.
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