Are Hammocks Good for Side Sleepers? [Yes or No?]

Hammocks are the perfect replacement for tents. If you do not want to deal with setting up a tent on your camping trip, you can use your hammock for the same purpose. It is very easy to carry it, set it up, and use it for sleeping. But something that people wonder about is whether it is suitable for side sleepers?!

Today’s guide will tell you about hammock sleeping and the recommended positions. If you want to know are hammocks good for side sleepers, you have come to the right place.

Make sure that you read through this guide and learn more about it. So, let’s get right into the guide!

More...

side sleeper in hammock

Side Sleeping in a Hammock?

Hammock camping can be enjoyable, but sleeping in a hammock can have some cons. If you are a side sleeper, you will need to try a few things out before finding a comfortable sleeping position.

Do not let this worry you, as side-sleeping in a hammock is always possible. People sleep in hammocks all the time. Whether side or regular sleepers, you can comfortably sleep even in a traditional hammock. Many side sleepers decide to add pillows or quilts to make themselves more comfortable. But you can also go with diagonal sleeping to achieve the same effect.

If you feel uncomfortable sleeping on your side, try sleeping on your back because hammocks are designed to be used that way. Also, ensure that the hammock is long and wide enough to fit you. That will help you find the perfect sleeping position.

What is a Side Sleeper and Are You a Side Sleeper as well?

If you like to sleep on your side, you are a side sleeper! By default, a side sleeper is a person who likes to sleep on their side. That is not their back and not their stomach – only their side, no matter if it is left or right.

If you want to know if you are a side sleeper, you can do a little experiment. Try putting pillows around you when you sleep and lying on your back. If you try to turn to your side during your sleep, you will move the pillows and make a mark on the sheets with your body.

Check to see if the pillows or sheets are moved in the morning. If they are, or if you find yourself on your side, chances are that you are a side sleeper. But you need to remember that turning in your sleep does not have to mean you are a side sleeper; it can mean that you like to toss and turn.

Whether you are or are not a side sleeper, you should know that there are many benefits to sleeping on your back. So, you might consider becoming a side sleeper both when you are at home and when you are hammock camping. More on the pros and cons of side sleeping in the next section!

Can I Sleep On Side? - Pros & Cons

If you tend to sleep on your side when hammock camping or sleeping at home, you should know a few things. While side sleeping has many pros, there are some cons to it. Let’s look at some of the biggest pros and cons you need to be aware of before falling asleep on your side!

Pros

One of the reasons side sleeping is recommended is that it can help reduce snoring. Snoring at a campsite can bother the people around you, so you must deal with it.

Another thing to remember is that side sleeping is perfect for improving digestion. If you overate or feel stomach pains, turn to your left and stay in that position. When you wake up, you will no longer feel stomach pain.

Also, side sleeping is great for lowering heartburn. So, if you have problems with heartburn, I recommend trying this position out. You will be able to feel the benefits of the sleeping position almost immediately.

Cons

The biggest con of sleeping on your side is the stiffness in the shoulders you might feel. Once you wake up, you might feel almost like you have inflamed should muscles. So, you need to be careful about that.

Also, if you feel jaw tightness, it might be because of the side sleeping. Consider switching the position for at least some time. That should make you feel somewhat better.

How Do Side Sleepers Sleep in a Hammock? - Most Important Factors to Consider

Side sleeping in a hammock can be a bit tricky. You will need to consider a few crucial factors for your comfort. If you do not consider the factors, you might feel somewhat uncomfortable whenever you try to sleep on your side. So, to avoid that, here is what you need to think about:

Factor 1 – Hammock size

The size of the hammock plays a crucial role. Most regular one-person hammocks when it comes to space. They are appropriate for back sleepers but not so much for side sleepers.

This is why experienced hammock campers recommend getting a larger hammock from the beginning. Even if you plan on camping by yourself, investing in a two-person hammock or a large one with a spreader bar is smart. These things will give you the extra space needed for extra comfort. 

Factor 2 – Hammock length

While I already mentioned that the hammock needs to be larger, it should be longer than regular hammocks. This is a must, especially if you are a taller person. But the added length can prove quite helpful even for shorter people.

When trying to sleep on your side, it has proven helpful to try laying diagonally in the hammock. The extra length can come in handy here because it gives you extra space to rotate your body. Once you reach a comfortable angle, stay there and enjoy a good night’s rest.

When you get up in the morning, rotate back to the default position before getting out of the hammock. Otherwise, you risk falling out of the hammock.

Factor 3 – Hammock width

The wider the hammock is, the better! The extra width will help you feel more comfortable by providing comfort and support for your body. You do not want to get a hammock that will barely wrap around your body.

So, get a single-person hammock that gives you the extra wrapping material, or go for a double hammock. I recommend going with the option that gives you more width.

Factor 4 – Add more comfort

If you find that the extra space does not help too much, you can always choose to add some pillows or blankets to feel more comfortable. You can even put your backpack and clothes in the hammock if you have the space. When you find what makes you feel the most comfortable, I say you should stick to it!

The pillows are necessary for people looking for neck support in their hammocks. The cushion will be a must if you go for a hammock with a spreader bar. Get a travel-size pillow or a larger, lightweight one that will not weigh you down.

Factor 5 – Limit movement

Finally, I recommend that you train yourself not to move too much while staying in the hammock. Once you find that comfortable position, stick to it. Since hammocks are not designed for side sleeping, you might find yourself unable to get into a good sleeping position.

Limiting your movement is a smart choice. If needed, try barricading your body with blankets, pillows, or your backpack. That has also proven helpful with many hammock campers!

Is It Possible to Sleep on Your Stomach in a Hammock?

I have got some bad news for all the stomach sleepers out there. This position is not the best for sleeping in a hammock. Chances are that you will not be able to sleep comfortably in this position.

Still, there are some things that you can do. For one, you can use a hammock with a spreader bar. This is the best for stomach and side sleepers because the spreader bar allows more space for turning and adjusting. You cannot get the same room with regular or traditional hammocks.

You can fill the surrounding pace with pillows or a sleeping pad to help you feel more comfortable on your hammock. It depends on your willingness to try things and find a comfortable position. This position may be your only hope if you are not into sleeping on your back or side. So, do not be afraid to give it a shot and see whether it works for you.

Wrap-Up

Thank you for sticking with me through this guide. I hope you learned a lot about the best sleeping position for hammock campers. You can always switch things around and see what works best for you, whether it is sleeping on your side, diagonally, or sleeping on your stomach.

Let me know in the comments below if you think hammocks are suitable for side sleepers. Have you ever tried sleeping on your side, and how did you like it? I would love to read all your stories, so do not hesitate to share them with me.

Andrew Mullen

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *