If you haven’t slept in a hammock before and are new to the concept, let me share the pros and cons of sleeping in a hammock.
Yes, this sleeping style is somewhat unusual, and no, it’s not for everyone.
Hopefully, this list will help you figure out if a hammock bed is right for you. I actually didn’t know if I would like it until I tried it for myself.
Here’s what I like and dislike…
The Advantages of Sleeping in a Hammock:
- Deeper and More Restful Sleep
From night #3 forward, I noticed that I fell asleep faster, woke up less during the night and felt more rested in the morning. Yes, there was somewhat of a learning curve the first few nights because of the “new bed” combined with the fact that I started sleeping outdoors for the summer. However, I was surprised at how quickly my body adjusted to the change. - Back Pain Relief
I have had lower back pain for a few years, mostly aggravated by sitting at a desk. My back consistently would feel stiff and painful in the morning when I would sit up from my mattress in the morning. I would need to stretch for at least 10-15 minutes to relieve some of the stiffness and pain. This is no longer an issue, now that I sleep in a hammock bed. That said, I realize that not everyone will experience back pain relief, I just know that for me it has helped a lot. - Portability
As I mentioned above, I sleep outdoors in the summertime. Since my hammock is attached to a stand, I can easily move it indoors when the weather cools down. Not only that, I can disassemble it in about 5 minutes. I simply pack it in a bag and take it with me camping, to the beach, to a park, a road trip, etc… (altogether it only weighs about 30 lbs).
- It Saves Space
A hammock takes up way less space than my queen size bed, especially when I’m not in it. Furthermore, it compacts to essentially a straight line. The frame takes up a footprint of about 10″ x 4″, which was important for me to know when setting it up on my small deck. However, most of that is air space, so the room or deck never feels cluttered. - It’s Cheaper than a Mattress
As you already know, the cost of a regular bed adds up: mattress, box spring, frame, mattress pads, etc.. You can easily get a well-made hammock with stand for under $200, and a hammock alone can cost less than $100. That can turn into a savings of $100’s if not $1,000’s of dollars. On top of that, hammocks don’t require fitted sheets and mattress pads or lots of pillows and bedding. That’s even more stuff I don’t need to worry about buying. - Bye-Bye to Dust Mites
Although I’ve never had allergies to dust mites myself, I’ve thought about them living in mattresses and seen those gross magnified pictures of them. That’s one thing I’m happy to not have to think about anymore. - Easier Bed-Making
No more tucking in sheets, fluffing up comforters and adjusting pillows. When I get out of bed in the morning, the sides of my hammock pop up and discreetly conceal all my bedding inside. No mess, no fuss and less work! - The 10-Minute Set-Up
It took me less than 10 minutes to assemble my hammock. I didn’t have to pay for delivery or get another person to help me move it. I did it all myself (which would have not been a fun job had it been a mattress set!).Here’s how to put together the Viviere Hammock in 5 Steps:
Click here for the Viviere Hammock - No Dump!
This is one of my favorites. When I need to replace my hammock or frame, I don’t need to haul it to the dump. This is less waste, less cost and less work.
The Cons of Sleeping in a Hammock
- Not Good for 2 People, Sleeping
Yes, there are plenty of great things two people can do on a hammock, but sleeping soundly night after night is not one of them. You’ll need 2 hammocks for that, which may work out perfectly fine. - Challenging to Get Out Of
When you start sleeping in a hammock, getting out of bed can take some getting used to. You need to watch your footing as you try to stand since the bed has now become a moving, swinging object. That said, it’s not hard per se, it’s just different. - Not as Spacious as a Mattress
I can easily sprawl out on a queen mattress. If you like your space and want a flat, solid area to move around, a hammock bed may not be for you. - It Moves
Let me point out the obvious. It moves. Either you’ll like it or you won’t. What I discovered was that the hammock doesn’t really swing around unless I move or purposefully push it. Mine is Brazilian style, so I don’t ever feel like I am going to fall out of it, and the sides comfortably wrap around me. - May Need Replacing More Often
Depending on the fabric of your hammock (ie cotton) and if you use it outdoors in the sun, you may need to replace it every few years (more frequently than you would a mattress). Having said that, it still ends up being a cheaper investment, and you may be ready for a different style or color anyway.
