First night hammocking problem?

**Col_M** · 02-08-2011, 07:38

Hi guys and gals!

I've been using a hammock for just over a year now and I've found that on the first night of any trip in a hammock I get a restless night but after that I seem to get used to it and sleep great. It seems I need a little time to acclimatise to sleeping in one each time I go out. Do others have the same problem?

It happens in both my DD frontline and my DIY asymetric, I've tried tightening and loosening the suspension lines and structural ridge line, laying length-ways and diagonally. I've found where it's most comfortable but the first night is still a problem.

I'm probably going to get a JRB Bear Mountain next month to see if a bridge hammock will solve the problem. I'm just wondering if anyone has some tips that may help that don't involve a hangover the next morning?

**Bradley** · 02-08-2011, 07:55

It sounds as if you have tried all of the how you lay variables ? ? ?

Maybe it is not the "How you lay"

but . . . "Where you lay"

Being that you are not in your home . . .

Second night you are adjusted to the thought of it. ? ? ?

**trekkingnut** · 02-08-2011, 08:10

i know people who when they go away for weeks at a time, they take a pillow case from home that theyve used for a few days, because it smells like bed and home it makes them have a better nights sleep.

i sleep like a dinosaur in a hammock regardless of whether its my first night or not.

**Hetairoi** · 02-08-2011, 08:34

You could try sleeping in a hammock all the time. That might eliminate the problem

Seriously, Bradley may be onto something, did you have this problem before? Is the second night's rest because you are tired from hiking/activity? I do know a few folks who take ambien (or something similar) when camping because they just can't sleep as well away from home.

**bear bag hanger** · 02-08-2011, 09:08

I don't think it's the hammocks fault. I've always had trouble sleeping the first night out, even before I used a hammock.

**Bat** · 02-08-2011, 10:28

You could try some Benedryl before bed. That knocks most of us out.

**Ekul** · 02-08-2011, 10:34

Hike harder and longer...youll sleep great

**Col_M** · 02-08-2011, 10:42

You guys may well be right! I use one of those thermarest pillows so maybe when I'm out next I'll try sticking my pillow case from home on it.

I can't remember having this problem when I was on the floor in a tent but maybe that's because it was more bed like i.e. a flat stationary surface. I kind of thought this before which is why I was planning on trying the BMBH as it's meant to give a really flat lay, my friend is set on getting one as he's on a business trip to the US next month so I thought I'd get one too, after all it's all about experimenting.

I don't think sleeping in a hammock all the time is an option, I rent and my landlord may not like me putting big 'ol eye bolts in the walls

I would give it a go otherwise

Thanks for the input so far

**Rolloff** · 02-08-2011, 12:12

I always have this problem first night out of my own bed nearly everywhere. Being tired helps a lot. I used to cheat a good first night, by packing in at night after a full week's work or other activity.

I did it first to have more of the next day to hike and explore, before having to pack out the next on a typical 3 day. Noticed I slept a lot better that way the first night in the woods.