Problem sleeping

**camoxjeep** · 10-31-2013, 08:39

First off I love hammocks, so comfy and relaxing. I've even stated a general hammock classes for all the local Scouts.
My problem is I can't get to sleep in them lately. Not that I'm uncomfortable, quite opposite. Over a month ago I was in arizona elk hunting and for three days never really got a good night sleep. One night after listening to all the coyotes and worrying about the Bears 8-/ I was wide awake all night. At one point I did fall asleep only to dream something was rubbing on the outside of my hammock like a cat does. Don't know whether I yelled or not is up for debate lol but I awoke with pistol in hand.
This past weekend I went deer hunting and decided to sleep in my hammock and same thing, don't know whether I yelled or was dreaming that to (no debate, no one around to hear it lol) but awoke pulling my pistol. No way I would just start shooting wildly, been around guns for over 30yrs,9yrs Army.
Again, main issue lately just getting to sleep and staying asleep. Tried taking pills to help get you to sleep (no actual sleeping pills) and I wear ear plugs. Any suggestions? Thanks

**TallPaul** · 10-31-2013, 08:47

Embrace it. I enjoy waking in the night and seeing the clouds whipping by on a moon lit night. Then take a nap during the day.

**Caveman** · 10-31-2013, 08:54

Hmmm. That's going to be one you will have to work out in your mind

You are tripping yourself out. Nothing is going to hurt you out there (except maybe a bear....but if he wants to eat you, he's gonna eat you....pistol or not)

Good luck.

**inspectorguy** · 10-31-2013, 08:58

mmmmmm... Nope. Got nuthin'.

Will watch for suggestions.

Happens to me too sometimes. Mind will just not stop churnin'.

You get tired enough, you WILL sleep.

**bayoubomber** · 10-31-2013, 09:03

Originally Posted by Caveman

Hmmm. That's going to be one you will have to work out in your mind

You are tripping yourself out. Nothing is going to hurt you out there (except maybe a bear....but if he wants to eat you, he's gonna eat you....pistol or not)

Good luck.

I'm with Caveman but what helps me is to ware myself out, eat a giant meal and a cup of coco (fill your belly) oh and maybe take a Tylenol night time. Your mind will play tricks on you, also maybe bring some ear buds and listen to some nature sounds like a running brook if you're not sleeping next to one already of course.

**OutandBack** · 10-31-2013, 09:15

We are creatures of habit. Although hammocks are very comfortable they are not what you have slept in for 20,30,40 years. Add being outdoors and your mind will churn.

I have hammock setup on my screened in porch and try to sleep in it 2-3 days a week.
This has really helped me get to sleep when in the wild.
hth

**Detail Man** · 10-31-2013, 09:22

It's not the hammock. I'll venture to say, respectfully, that you've got other stuff going on in your life that's manifesting itself when you get quiet, still, and alone. Your subconscious/mind/soul is trying to work out the problems and find a balance for you. It can't do it when you actively engaged during the day. How to deal with that isn't the realm of this forum.

Hmmm. A group hang therapy weekend....There's an idea.

**tri-pod bob** · 10-31-2013, 10:30

Although I get to sleep fairly quickly, I have had occasions where I haven't. I've come to know that it's usually from my body still being a bit hyped from a day of physical exertion....not mind stuff. I started carrying a hip flask of good Irish whiskey a long time ago to take me down a notch. A pop of that about an hr before crashing for the night does the trick for me.

**FLRider** · 10-31-2013, 11:04

I've had that happen a couple of times (odd nightmares out there), but I find that wearing myself out completely during the day helps considerably with it. If I'm flat exhausted at the end of the day, I sleep, regardless of what my subconscious might be trying to work out. So, long days may help.

Otherwise, I don't have much to add that hasn't already been said.

**OneClick** · 10-31-2013, 11:25

That's strange, I haven't been sleeping well either lately. On my last trip I woke up every 1-2 hours throughout the night even though I was warm and comfortable. Couldn't go back to sleep quickly either. I usually pass out for 8-9hrs straight.

Hopefully it's just a temporary thing.