Scientific proof that Hammocks are great?!?

**Tim_807** · 06-20-2011, 15:45

Found an interesting article about an experiment conducted by Swiss researchers that rocking while you sleep improves your sleep quality. Hmmm, now I might need to figure out how to get my hammock setup in my bedroom.

Link to the Article

**chickenwing** · 06-20-2011, 15:52

Love It!!! THanks for posting this. I am definitely going to show this to my wife so we can get the kids in a hammock in their bedrooms.

**SteelerNation** · 06-20-2011, 20:33

Griz,

I see a graph in your future:

The proper suspension length to impart the optimal hammock sway

SN

**jofish** · 06-21-2011, 10:09

I was disappointed with this article. I mean, how difficult would it have been to have used actual hammocks instead of a "rocking" bed?

**Tim_807** · 06-21-2011, 11:14

I wonder if they were trying to break the hammock experience down into parts. First we test the rocking and next test the support a hammock provides....

**Addolorisi** · 06-21-2011, 11:16

Originally Posted by jofish

I was disappointed with this article. I mean, how difficult would it have been to have used actual hammocks instead of a "rocking" bed?

Well, the study seems to have been conducted to research the tradition of rocking babies to sleep, being pertinent to hammockers is just a bonus. It's also probably easier to operationalize the rocking movement with a bed.

**KerMegan** · 06-21-2011, 11:36

I'm visualizing a 'Rube Goldberg' contraption to convert breeze energy to transverse hammock motion through use of a short rod, an off center wheel and a whirly-gig...
it could work! KM(who is very bored at work just now..)

**SkyPainter** · 06-21-2011, 11:48

I just tie an extra length of Paracord out to the side tie-out, and leave it in the hammock, so I give it a short pull now and then and get the hammock swaying as I drift off to sleep.

Works great!

**NCPatrick** · 06-21-2011, 11:54

I do that too, and tie a loop in the cord and put that end around my finger so I don't lose the cord while sleeping... the rocking creates a little breeze too when it's hot out and the air isn't moving. Very nice.

**jofish** · 06-21-2011, 13:20

Originally Posted by Addolorisi

Well, the study seems to have been conducted to research the tradition of rocking babies to sleep, being pertinent to hammockers is just a bonus. It's also probably easier to operationalize the rocking movement with a bed.

I agree that the focus of the research is really about motion. I'm disappointed with the article, which highlights the research as if its about hammocks when it really isn't. I mean honestly, how much does this apply to actual sleeping in hammocks? The only time I swing while in a hammock is when I'm trying to get it to swing. Not when I'm sleeping in it, it stays pretty much motionless. Thus this research really doesn't apply to sleeping in a hammock. Its interesting in its own right, but has nothing to do with sleeping in hammocks.