How to Sleep in a Hammock
The diagonal lay, the right sag and a few small tricks for a full night of sleep.
A proper hammock lay is surprisingly flat. If you are sleeping in a banana curve, something in the setup is off.
Lie on the diagonal
Shift your head about 15 to 20 degrees to one side of center and your feet to the other. The fabric pulls taut across your body and you end up nearly flat. Wider hammocks make this easier.
Get the sag right
Use the 30 degree rule. Too tight and the edges squeeze your shoulders. A structural ridgeline sets the same sag every time.
Raise your feet a little
Hang the foot end about 8 to 10 inches higher than the head end. This keeps you from sliding toward the middle all night.
Support your knees
Some people get hyperextended knees on long nights. A rolled-up jacket under your knees fixes it.
Side sleepers
A wide hammock and a deep diagonal lay make side sleeping possible. Try it on a lazy afternoon before an overnight trip.
Quiet the sounds
Nylon rustles. A cotton or brushed polyester hammock is quieter, and a pair of earplugs handles the owl that will not stop talking.
Find a hammock-friendly spot near you.