hammocks and motion sickness

**E.A.Y.** · 02-09-2010, 18:51

I am quite susceptible to motion sickness, yet rocking myself to sleep in my hammock has never set me off. I sleep in a simple end-gathered hammock - no side tie-outs.
However, I have not tried lying in a hammock when I'm already queasy, so I have not proved it entirely to my satisfaction.

**Cannibal** · 02-09-2010, 19:02

Does drinking too much at the Hot Springs HangOut a couple of years ago, then getting sick in the hammock count?
If so, I guess I've got motion sickness too!

**bonsaihiker** · 02-09-2010, 21:31

If your friend is sensitive enough to be bothered by a hammock, especially one staked out, he/she should probably see someone who specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. I've helped many people with motion sensitivity through individualized exercise programs (called habituation training) which basically trains the brain to "ignore" the disturbing input from the inner ear (same process which allows figure skaters to tolerate those high-velocity spins). Having said all this, I doubt that a hammock, especially if staked out, would present much of a problem, but some people are more sensitive than others.

WV · 02-09-2010, 22:00

Use side tie-outs with shock cord. Better to sew loops of strap to the hammock than use safety pins (they'll break and/or tear the hammock fabric). A loop of 3/16" shock cord through the strap is good; then tie from that to something solid.

**Ray022085** · 02-10-2010, 00:43

thanks for the input! like is said, this is not an area i have any experience in, all my life 've been falling asleep in cars, boats, planes, trains and everything else that moves, i find it relaxing. i'm going to send the URL over to them to read, Thanks again
Ray

**warbonnetguy** · 02-10-2010, 01:06

once you get situated, you can reach out and touch the ground to stop the hammock from swinging. i do this sometimes if i've had too much to drink around the campfire.