A good nights sleep would be nice!

**russmay** · 09-06-2009, 11:51

Ok, I have a WWBB Hammock, Tee-Wa under quilt and a Mccat deluxe tarp. I have slept in this and other configurations about a dozen different times. I am very comfortable, warm and no sore spots in the morning. However I just can't get a good nights sleep. I toss and turn all night, wake up about 20 different times. I sleep on the diagonal with feet in footbox. I'm a side and stomach sleeper. I just don't know what to do with my arms. I like to streach out and feel quite confined. Any suggestions, Im giving thought of going back to ground unless I can figure a way out. Need help, Please!

**Myke** · 09-06-2009, 17:36

I'm new to the hammock thing and being a side and back sleeper, I'm surprised I didn't have the problem of what to do with my arms. Now keep in mind my hammock is hung up in the bedroom, so most the time I have one arm out pushing against the wall for a gentle sway. When I actually sleep, I start out with them above my head, kind of propping my pillow up. Usually wake up with them wherever. I also have a mat from a cot that helps hold mine open. Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.

**Scratch** · 09-06-2009, 17:49

In a bed, I'm a side/stomach sleeper. And I would toss and turn alot during the night. I was very sceptical that a hammock would suit me. However, I do less tossing and turning in a hammock. I can sleep comfortably on my side in a hammock. But I probably sleep most of the night on my back and then switch to my side when I wake up in the morning. I guess I'm not here to give you any magic formulas. In my case, tossing and turning is a result of becoming uncomfortable during the night. Since a hammock is more comfortable for me, I do less tossing and turning. YMMV. Good luck.

**KerMegan** · 09-06-2009, 18:34

anybody near you that has a "Bridge" Hammock? Might be worth investigating- or there are DIY instructions on here somewhere-- just do one in 1$ fabric to see if it will work better for you.
HTH, KM

**Pastorus** · 09-06-2009, 19:56

Russmay, There's your your problem. It's in your signature. Saving cheerleaders and the world is a full time job and is bound to keep anyone awake all night. Come up with something boring and you'll sleep well.

Seriously, I'm just like Hike4WD in that while I sleep on side and stomach, it is uncanny that I can get a good night's sleep on my back in a hammock. Like you my arms don't know where to go at first. However I sleep in a hammock is 77 times better than sleeping on the ground.

**Just Jeff** · 09-06-2009, 20:03

Try getting a thick pad...my Downmat 7 holds the hammock open a little wider and makes it easier to sleep on my side and stomach. Without that, I sometimes fall asleep with my arms over my head and they fall asleep so hard that I have to move my shoulders just go get my arms to fall on my chest. Then I have to wait for the blood to come in and make my arms tingle. I've never had my arms fall asleep so hard except for in the hammock. I don't know what the answer is...I just deal with it. But I feel your frustration.

And I second the recommendation to try a bridge hammock.

A dozen nights is a pretty good shot at trying it...if the pad or bridge don't work, you might be one of the few people who just aren't comfortable in a hammock. If that's the case, I'm sure you won't have any problem selling that kit.

**BillyBob58** · 09-06-2009, 21:47

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

... Without that, I sometimes fall asleep with my arms over my head and they fall asleep so hard that I have to move my shoulders just go get my arms to fall on my chest. Then I have to wait for the blood to come in and make my arms tingle. I've never had my arms fall asleep so hard except for in the hammock.

Weird! My left arm fell asleep, exactly as you describe, the other night in my BB! I never had that happen in a hammock before, including other nights in the BB. I was getting a great sleep until then. I think I was on my back, but I'm not sure at all. Maybe my arms were over my head. I got up and took care of business, then went back to sleep with no further issues.

**BillyBob58** · 09-06-2009, 21:52

Originally Posted by russmay

Ok, I have a WWBB Hammock, Tee-Wa under quilt and a Mccat deluxe tarp. I have slept in this and other configurations about a dozen different times. I am very comfortable, warm and no sore spots in the morning. However I just can't get a good nights sleep. I toss and turn all night, wake up about 20 different times. I sleep on the diagonal with feet in footbox. I'm a side and stomach sleeper. I just don't know what to do with my arms. I like to streach out and feel quite confined. Any suggestions, Im giving thought of going back to ground unless I can figure a way out. Need help, Please!

Just curious: are you trying to sleep after a long day on the trail, or in your back yard? I always have a preposterously hard time sleeping in my backyard, no matter how comfortable. Ear plugs help. On the trail, I usually pass out like a light.

**angrysparrow** · 09-06-2009, 22:00

Originally Posted by BillyBob58

On the trail, I usually pass out like a light.

Same here. My hiking partner often makes fun of how quickly I fall asleep, saying that I don't actually have time to be fully in the hammock before snoring is heard.

I don't know what to tell you, russmay. I hope you can work it out.

**Doctari** · 09-06-2009, 23:31

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

Same here. My hiking partner often makes fun of how quickly I fall asleep, saying that I don't actually have time to be fully in the hammock before snoring is heard.

Yea, me too! I often wake in a weird position, after a few seconds I realize it's because I got in the hammock & fell asleep before I "got into position". Both hands above my head, one leg out, laying across the hammock; feet & head over air, etc.

I also don't know what to tell you, russmay. Don't see the problem, sorry. BUT, welcome aboard anyway