Can't seem to get comfortable in a hammock - looking for some help.

**StevieBuns** · 06-12-2017, 14:56

Cliff Notes:
- Spent about half a dozen nights in a hammock and cannot get comfortable.
- Looking for help getting a more comfortable hang.
- Main rig is a Chameleon.

Hey guys, I've been into hammocks now for about 8 months or so and have invested somewhere north of $1,600 into them. I've been on about half a dozen trips with the hammock and can say that I'm certainly never cold in the hammock however I can also certainly say that in all the nights spent in the hammock, I've not had one decent night's sleep.

I love hammocks and I want so much for them to be as comfortable for me as they are for everyone else but I keep remembering what people say sometimes - "it isn't for everyone."

Maybe the community can provide some assistance here and keep me from going to ground. I have a Chameleon and I've slept in an ENO Junglenest as well as a cheap Chinese make hammock. I'm a side sleeper, I end up sleeping on my back often enough but I cannot fall asleep on my back, I fall asleep on my side and move around to my back in the night. I would love a bridge hammock but I exceed the weight limit for them. I'm not sure if a wide hammock would do me any better? I'm only 5' 9" and I've always understood wide hammocks to be best for taller individuals. I was also considering the Amok Dramur as an option too. I've had several suspensions and am currently using the beetle buckles and I have a nice 30 degree hang when I set up. Anything else that may help will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Steve

**TrailSlug** · 06-12-2017, 15:03

Check out the posts for bridge hammocks for big guys. Many swear by them.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-Bigger-People

**somniferous** · 06-12-2017, 15:07

If you haven't already, watch the Shug Hammock How-To videos, lots of great info there.

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...752777861C2AA8

**mountainhanger** · 06-12-2017, 15:16

Wide hammocks are worth it if your on the wider side, more room and depending on the fabric you choose will effect how much sag. Try a 1.7 hex xl or 2.0 hex xl. Get the free bird version from dream hammocks use your own suspension
Cheapest way. Also shoot papa smurf a email. He'll steer ya right

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**OutandBack** · 06-12-2017, 15:33

Hi Stevie,
There is a rather large group than love lounging in hammocks but just can't fall asleep. There are many theories out there as to why.
For me it was a movement issue. My inter-ear would picking up the hammocks movement and I could not fall asleep.
I solved this by setting up a hammock on my screened in porch and trying to fall asleep. If I couldn't Id bail to the bed. Over time I became used to the movement and now can sleep just fine. It was not over one or two night but several weeks. Good luck.

**pgibson** · 06-12-2017, 15:45

Like Outandback It takes many folks at least several consecutive nights to adjust. For many of us it takes our bodies a while to transition over to sleeping in a new "bed". For me sometimes I am good on the second or third night and sometimes it takes 4 or more nights. Long hard hiking miles help as does getting really sleepy first. I often stay up till much later than normal, staring at the fire, looking up at the stars, reading and so on help me. Another option is to take a sleeping pill....some Tylenol PM is a popular choice for hikers as it helps with any aches and pains from a long day on the trail. Helps you relax and drift off.

**TrailSlug** · 06-12-2017, 15:50

Is the issue your aren't comfortable or you simply can't fall asleep?

**rweb82** · 06-12-2017, 15:54

For me it took a paradigm shift in my thinking. Once I realized that I couldn't approach sleeping in a hammock the same way I do in a bed, I began to sleep better in the hammock. I, too, am a side-sleeper; but I finally realized that I can lie on my back all night in a hammock without getting sore. Once I learned to trust the hammock, I was able to force myself to fall asleep on my back. Also, a dose of Melatonin at night didn't hurt, either!

**StevieBuns** · 06-12-2017, 16:26

Originally Posted by TrailSlug

Is the issue your aren't comfortable or you simply can't fall asleep?

Hey buddy, I checked that forum you sent and I got very excited, then I finished the thread and apparently the guy who made the hammocks is MIA :-(

Both, primarily I can't fall asleep but it even makes my back ache and my body feel stiff.

Steve

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**StevieBuns** · 06-12-2017, 16:28

Originally Posted by pgibson

Like Outandback It takes many folks at least several consecutive nights to adjust. For many of us it takes our bodies a while to transition over to sleeping in a new "bed". For me sometimes I am good on the second or third night and sometimes it takes 4 or more nights. Long hard hiking miles help as does getting really sleepy first. I often stay up till much later than normal, staring at the fire, looking up at the stars, reading and so on help me. Another option is to take a sleeping pill....some Tylenol PM is a popular choice for hikers as it helps with any aches and pains from a long day on the trail. Helps you relax and drift off.

Yeah I hear a lot of people saying after a long days hike, you can fall asleep anywhere in any row of hammock however this past weekend, I did a 7 mile kayaking trip and was exhausted and still couldn't fall asleep. I'm sort of at my wits end, I was so tired and frustrated because I couldn't sleep.

Steve

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