A recent study on CNN Health by scientists in Switzerland revealed that sleeping in a hammock lets you sleep faster, and enjoy a deeper, more restful sleep! For years parents have helped their babies fall asleep by rocking and cradling them in their arms to a deep sleep, hence the popular lullaby song "Rock-A-Bye Baby".
We have a beautiful baby boy who is coming on his first anniversary and I remember most of the times, he wouldn't reach a deep sleep unless his mother cradled him in his arms and rocked and swayed back and forth...
back and forth.
It seems that babies aren't the only ones that benefit from being rocked to sleep.
Swiss scientists monitored the brain activity of 12 men during a 45 minute nap on a rocking bed designed to simulate the rocking motion of a hammock.
During the experiment, when the test subjects were in the "hammock" there were a few results/findings: The test subjects fell asleep, on average, one minute faster than normal in the "hammock", compared to those who weren't experiencing the rocking sensation.
The test subjects fell into a deeper stage of sleep more than three minutes faster in the "hammock", compared to those who napped in the still bed.
The test subjects while rocking, in the "hammock" spent nearly five more minutes in the second stage of sleep (known as N2), which typically makes up about half of a normal night's rest.
The test subjects spent less time in the initial stage of sleep that serves as a transition between wakefulness and sleep.
The doctors don't really know why hammocks help us sleep better? They will need to conduct future experiments in order to confirm these findings, but the doctors and researchers of this experiment believe their findings could lead to new treatments for those who suffer from sleep disorders/symptoms.
Although this research is interesting and an intriguing notion that I can relate to as a hammock lover, I do want to see some follow up to solidify some of the research.
I am a believer of the hammock, and I know first hand the incomparable rocking sensation and therapeutic soothing effect a hammock can have in your life! Why does everyone seem to associate hammocks with relaxation, paradise, comfort, beaches, and summertime? Hammocks have been around for centuries and many people in different parts of the world use hammocks as their primary source of a bed.
Is it because they don't have any other options, or maybe it's because they know the secrets and the benefits of sleeping in a hammock? Let us know what you think? Do you agree or disagree? We'd like to hear what you think! Click here to learn more about the CNN Hammock Sleep Study.
Click here to listen to "Rock-A-Bye-Baby".