Is Dad stressed? Science Says Get a Hammock
On May 21, 2015, In Industry News by Greg Thompson
GREENVILLE, NC - You might be chuckling to yourself right now and saying, “If we get dad in a hammock, we’ll never get him out.” That may be true. Numerous online reports describe the benefits of sleeping in a hammock – the slight swaying movement allows individuals to fall asleep faster than traditional beds.
Hammock sways can be compared to rocking an infant to sleep. Research in Switzerland has found that participants in a study, “had a faster transitions to sleep in each and every subject in the swinging condition.” Additionally, the research determined that “sleep spindles”—sleep-related oscillations in the brain increased when compared to subjects that slept on a traditional mattress.
These spindles occur in Stage 2 sleep and are where most adults spend half of their time asleep. Now we know that is a lot of scientific jargon to thrown in there, so we’ll simplify – Sleep spindles are where the brain keeps the sleeper in a tranquil state – and who wouldn’t want that?
The position of the body also plays a part in a good and healthy night of sleep. Anyone who has slept on a couch or a less than 3 star hotel bed can surely attest. A slight elevation of the head while in a hammock, it has been suggested, allows for better circulation around the brain.
Additionally, the zero-pressure point ergonomics of hammocks allow vertebrae to align properly. These three factors; quicker sleep, better circulation and aligned vertebrae all reduce stress. Medical science has proven that lower stress helps reduce blood pressure which in turn reduces the risk for stroke. So, while taking a nap in the backyard might seem like just good old-fashioned relaxing, it actually can have health benefits for dad.
