First night hammocking problem?

[Law Dawg (ret)]

I use custom fitted ear plugs anytime away from the regular bed and room. It's the different sounds/noise that seems to kill sleep. Benadryl does serve a great dual purpose as well (if you suffer from allergies like me).

[Doctari]

I second (third? forth?) the suggestion of sleeping in a hammock full time, or at least nearly so, even at home. For me, camping on a trip means I'm in the same bed I sleep in at home, so I drop off right away. No adjustment at all!

[Roadtorque]

I usually have a sleepless first night which gets progressively better the more nights I'm out. Although I dont blame it on the hammock it is made worse by it. If I camp in a tent or even sleep in a motel room I still dont sleep that well the first night (but better than in a hammock). I have a BMBH and dont think it helps. I always take ear plugs to help with the night noises (or boy scouts) and have tried sleeping pills once. The pills helped a bit but between those and a bit of altitude sickness the next morning I had a terrible hike that day...I'll be sticking with the ear plugs and no meds in the future. I always take an Ipod with music or book or movie on it to keep myself entertained while laying in the hammock the first night. Good luck

[Shane]

When I'm in my hammock I sleep like San Ubaldo


S

[Red Wing]

I was wonderin' if I was a weird one, hah.

I have this problem as well, no matter where I sleep (tent or hammock). I feel it happens less in camprgrounds I'm familiar with, so I know it's my comfortability with my surroundings and not being secure in my home that does it. Then as the trip goes on, I become comfortable with my surroundings then I sleep better and better. I actually find this effects me more inside a tent than a hammock, but still I have the same issue.

I'm currently trying an experiment of familiarity. I have an ENO pillow (which has my complete endorsement, freakin' love it) with fleece on one side for cold weather and a nylon material for hot nights. I use it everywhere at home.. on the couch.. when I go to bed.. even bring it to work when I'm on 16 hour shifts and I take a siesta for lunch. Also have a gander mountain blue fleece sleeping bag I use as a blanket all the time at home as well... these are my go to items for lounging around the house. My hope is that when I go out into the bush with them, they'll help with that first night, being as they're so familiar to me now. Just a theory for now, but since I can't sleep in my hammock everynight this is plan B. Pillow case idea could def work too.. same principle

[Hetairoi]

I was planning on trying the BMBH as it's meant to give a really flat lay

Never pass up the opportunity to try out a new hammock!

And yes, they are very flat.

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

Think stand stand stand