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Noah Frye
Mr. Cretacci
English Composition
24 November 2015
I-Search

When choosing an I-Search topic you need to choose something that interests you
personally. To choose my topic I had to sleep on it, then it dawned on me. What if I took my
favorite way to camp and did it every day? You may be thinking why would anyone want to
sleep on the cold hard ground everyday, but I do not choose the ground when I camp, I choose a
higher luxury. When I camp I prefer to use a hammock. In a camping setting I belief that
hammocks keep you warmer, are more convenient, less expensive, and more comfortable than
being on the ground. To take this sleep method and bring it indoors seemed worthy of being a
research topic. What would the benefits of sleeping nightly in a hammock be? Through this
research project I was able to find noticeable differences in sleep in a hammock that one
wouldnt find in a bed, giving me support to answer the question: Will sleeping in a hammock
provide a more beneficial night of sleep than a bed?
I think the first step of finding out if a hammock is better for sleep is to understand what
sleep is. Sleep is defined by a naturally-occurring, reversible, periodic, and recurring state in
which consciousness and muscular activity is temporarily suspended or diminished, and
responsiveness to outside stimuli is reduced. During the course of sleep the brain goes through
cycles of REM and non-REM stages. REM stands for rapid eye movement and is measured by
the random movements of the eyes while sleeping. During the REM stage brain activity is
increased along with some muscular activity. The increased brain activity will cause the brain to

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experience involuntary emotions, ideas, images, and sensations while sleeping. Or in simpler
terms REM is the dream stage. Non-REM sleep is a stage where the brain is in a deeper state of
sleep, it is harder to wake up in this stage. These cycles can be represented in a graph called a
hypnogram. This graph shows the stages of sleep over a night. EEG is brain wave movement,
EMG is eye movement. As shown in the hypnogram there is less brain wave activity in nonREM sleep. The non-REM stage takes up 75-80% of a total night of sleep and consists of 3
stages. Each stage being a deeper amount of sleep. The other 20-25% of sleep is composed of
REM sleep. The brain is more active in this state. In REM sleep the sleeper will experience
dreams, and muscles will become unresponsive. This stage of sleep aids in the memory process.
Even though REM
seems like a vital part
of sleep there are few
negative
consequences to
having a lack of REM
sleep. Sleeping
disorders, medication
or just being woken
up during the stage could cause the
lack of REM sleep. People along with
animals are able to function
appropriately socially, and
psychologically when deprived of

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REM sleep for times up to two months. The picture above shows brain activity during sleep.
There is a noticeable difference between brain activity in the REM stage versus the Non-REM
stage. REM sleep is important to sleep since it is believed that in this stage memory is stored.
There is no direct evidence to show the correlation between REM and memory, it is just a
common idea that is shared in the science community. Infact sleep is still not entirely understood
by science.
In my search for information of sleep I interviewed a school psychology teacher, Ms.
Emma Craig. During my interview I asked her questions that could help my understanding of the
brain during sleep. My first question I had about sleep is, what is the purpose of sleep? This is
when I was informed that sleep was not completely understood by science. Ms. Craig had said
that sleep is needed to recharge emotionally and physically but beyond that the rest is
uncertain. This uncertainty makes sense since no one can study the unconscious mind. There are
instruments that can read brain activity but there is no form of technology to interpret a mental
picture to study. Continuing on with my interview I asked Ms. Craig about the sleep stages and
REM. She explained the four stages of sleep, the first being the falling asleep stage, the second is
the light sleep stage with the body still active, and the third and fourth being the stages with the
deepest sleep with the alternating REM and non-REM cycles. The REM cycles still demonstrate
the highest level of brain activity. Then to rope the interview into my hammock theory I asked
Ms. Craig about how she thinks a hammock could affect sleep. She thought that a hammock
could definitely improve sleep in many ways. She first thought of the second stage of sleep
where the body is active, she thought that since hammocks provide a tight, enclosed sleeping
area there would be less chances for you to wake up by moving. Then she thought of the smooth
rocking of the hammock. She thought that the rocking could help with falling asleep. Ms. Craig

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had the thought of the hammock simulating an infantile like state. The gentle rocking and being
in a fetal like position would be similar to the condition infants fall asleep too. So hammocks
give a new definition to sleeping like a baby. Being in this state would put the brain in a natural
state, making sleeping easier and more beneficial. My interview with Ms. Craig was very
informative and she supports my thesis of hammocks providing a better night of sleep. She
would even consider trying to sleep in a hammock as an alternative to a bed.
Now with a better understanding of what sleep is I can now explain why hammocks are
better for sleep. To start, hammocks help with the first stage of sleep. Hammocks help sooth the
sleeper into sleep faster. There is less time of tossing and turning to find the prime sleeping
position. Since less time is spent in the first stage the sleeper can get into the next stages faster.
The gentle side to side motion of the hammock not only allows people to fall asleep faster, it
keeps the person asleep. The hammock rocks you past the second stage and into the third and
fourth stages faster. The third and fourth stages are the deepest parts of sleep and are the most
beneficial. If one spends more time in these stages that will result in the better night of sleep. The
third and fourth stages are the stages with REM. More time in REM means that there are more
opportunities to dream. What really sets a hammock apart from a bed is the rocking motion. The
idea of rocking being rocked to sleep was
actually studied by a Swiss Neuroscientists
Michel Mlenthaler, and Sophie Schwartz.
Mlenthalers experiment is very similar to
sleeping in a hammock. In an interview done by
NPR, Mlenthaler had said that on his early
morning commutes to conferences he would

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notice people get on the subway and fall asleep within minutes of sitting down. Watching this
happen time and time again this gave Mlenthaler the idea to research how motion affects sleep.
Although his experiment did not involve hammocks his study is very similar. To summarize the
experiment the summary of the research article will be provided.

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Why do we cradle babies or irresistibly fall asleep in a hammock? Although such simple behaviors are common
across cultures and generations, the nature of the link between rocking and sleep is poorly understood [1,2] . Here
we aimed to demonstrate that swinging can modulate physiological parameters of human sleep. To this end, we
chose to study sleep during an afternoon nap using polysomnography and EEG spectral analyses. We show that
lying on a slowly rocking bed (0.25 Hz) facilitates the transition from waking to sleep, and increases the duration of
stage N2 sleep. Rocking also induces a sustained boosting of slow oscillations and spindle activity. It is proposed
that sensory stimulation associated with a swinging motion exerts a synchronizing action in the brain that reinforces
endogenous sleep rhythms. These results thus provide scientific support to the traditional belief that rocking can

soothe our sleep.

In simpler terms to test the effect of motion on sleep Mlenthaler will have

subjects take a nap on a bed that moves slightly side to side. The findings for this experiment is
very important for supporting hammock sleeping since this is the closest to actual scientific
research that is accepted by the science community, and this experiment is the main resource for
the many other articles I have found for this research. This experiment found that the gentle
rocking while trying to sleep synchronises brain waves with the rhythm of sleep, causing the
sleeper to fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Since this experiment was done with a duration of a

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forty five minute nap there was not as much time to spend in the third and fourth stages of sleep,
as shown in figure (B). In figure (D) you can see that the brain is more active when the bed is
rocking. This shows how much of a difference there is between a stationary bed and a moving
bed. With the rocking a person is able to fall asleep up to a half hour faster! That alone is good
enough to convince people to try hammocks. But hammocks cant always be sunshine and
rainbows. There are a few negative points to a hammock.
The most common problem that I have found with people countering hammock sleeping
is that you cant sleep on your stomach. Hammocks dont provide the ability to sleep on ones
stomach since the bow of the hammock will bend the spine in an extremely uncomfortable
position, causing stomach sleepers discomfort in the hammock. But what people dont realise is
that sleeping on the stomach is actually the worst sleeping position. Not only does sleeping on
the stomach cause snoring but it also puts the spine in an unnatural position. There will be no
support for your spine while you sleep, which could cause back pain. Back pain is also another
reason that would deter people from hammocks. People think since you would be sleeping in a
bent position means that there could be possibilities to screw up ones back. The cause for back
pain in a hammock is most commonly caused by improper use of the hammock. To correctly lay
in a hammock you must lay diagonally, as shown in the figure below. Hammocks also provide a
zero pressure point system. On a bed your body makes contact with the surface of the bed at
specific points, shown above. Body weight is distributed at these points, putting pressure on
these points which could cause pain. Hammocks however distribute weight all around the body,
there are no specific points on the body that take all the weight of the body. Hammocks are even
sometimes prescribed by chiropractors such as Dr. Sean McCance who encourages the use of
hammocks to help relieve back pain to better improve sleep. One last common issue with

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hammocks are temperature. Since there is no insulation under a hammock this could cause cold
air to flow under the sleeper, cooling the back and kidneys. In a hammock you need to keep your
kidneys warm. If you are cold in a hammock that means that you arent taking the correct
precautions to keep yourself warm. A simple camping or yoga mat work just fine at creating that
barrier to keep you warm. Or what I found is that using a Snuggie is extremely effective at
keeping you warm. Wear the Snuggie backwards like a robe, then get in. Throughout the night
the Snuggie keeps your back warm, and when you need to get up you already have a warm
blanket around you to protect you from the cold. Another solution to the cold is to use a sleeping
bag. The bag will keep you enclosed and will use body heat to create extra warmth. The issue
with a sleeping bag is that it regularly needs to be aired to keep it clean. The great thing about
hammocks are that the negative points that would deter potential hammock users can be easily
fixed with the right knowledge and

techniques. Of course one should not hammock if they have

had a major surgery, especially a surgery of the back or spine, but hammocking can be for
anyone.
Hammocking is great for you. Not only are there a multitude of health benefits, there are
many practical benefits. In my research I found many top ten lists on why people should
hammock. Out of the ones I read the one that stood out to me the most is an article published in

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Scouting Magazine by Derek Hansen. This article appealed to me since it is written for and by
the Boy Scouts of America. To summarize the article: Derek Hansen is a ScoutMaster who has
written a book on hammocking techniques and actively tests hammocking gear. He published a
ten reasons to try hammocking while camping for reasons such as its light weight, it follows
leave no trace guidelines, and it improves sleep. To put this to use in my paper I will use some of
the ideas used in Derek Hansens articles and adapt them to an everyday use and not exclusively
camping. For starters hammocks are significantly cheaper than a bed. A mattress could range
anywhere from one hundred fifty to two hundred and fifty dollars for a cheap standard mattress.
A memory foam mattress could be up to three hundred dollars. And dont forget the frame the
mattress needs to support it, that could add another hundred dollars to the bill. If you value
comfort when you sleep, go for a hammock. A double nest hammock could range between fifty
to seventy dollars depending on the brand. To hang the hammock there are some options, you
could buy a set of wall anchors for less than fifteen dollars. If you are not too ecstatic about
punching a hole in your wall you could buy a hundred dollar hammock stand. Price alone sets a
huge difference between hammocks and beds. Hammocks are also easier to maintain and clean.
When was the last time you washed your mattress? Thats right, the most you can do to
clean a mattress is febreeze it and wash the sheets. That leaves all the dead skin, hair, and other
bacteria in the mattress. How gross! Hammocks can be put in the wash and will dry relatively
fast. Hammocks are cleaner than beds, keeping the sleeper clean.
Another benefit of a hammock over a bed is that they are smaller. Hammocks are
lightweight and have the capability to fold into a bag smaller than a family bag of potato chips.
Most stands come in parts that are able to break down for easy storage. Being able to put away
your sleeping area allows so much room for activities. It also allows for a more spacious

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atmosphere in a room. With a hammock you dont need a bunch of fancy equipment. Beds like
the SleepNumber are extremely technical since the bed itself moves to adjust to your number of
comfort. With a hammock you just hang and lay, its that simple. There is no remote control to
adjust you, no electricity, and most importantly a hammock will not cost you one thousand to
three thousand dollars.
The best reason to hammock every night is definitely the health benefits. Being able to
fall asleep faster and stay asleep in a deep sleep is fantastic for the body. Sleep keeps the body,
and mind healthy which is essential for a healthy life. There have also been reports of hammocks
aiding in sleep disorders. Bloggers rave about how hammock had helped them overcome
insomnia, which is a sleep disorder that prohibits the ability to sleep. The gentle rock will rock
almost anyone into the best nights of sleep anyone has ever had. I know that personally.
For me hammocking started years ago on camping trips with my Boy Scout troop. It was
an idea that my friends and I would start hammocking on campouts since they were faster, easier,
and more enjoyable than setting up a tent. We would string up two to four hammock under one
tarp and call that hammockiea, our own little island of hammocks in the woods. It was a great
time. The idea of regularly sleeping in a hammock has always been an idea of mine but due to
limited space in my household I never pushed to pursue the idea. But because of this research
project this gave me the excuse to sleep in a hammocks nightly. For science! To collect research
to figure out if hammocks did provide a better night of sleep than a bed I have been sleeping in a
hammock every night. My setup for this experiment includes my double nest hammock, a
hammock stand, blankets, and a pillow. I set up in my living room since that was the only room
that provided convenient space in my house, and I have been sleeping there every night since
September twenty eighth. And how do I feel? I feel fantastic! Sleeping in a hammock has

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definitely improved my sleep. The thing I like most about sleeping in a hammock is how fast I
can fall asleep, something I have never been able to do in a bed. I also like how warm sleeping in
a hammock can be. Being able to fully envelop myself in a massive bundle of blankets provides
a warm sanctuary that I never feel like leaving in the mornings. When I wake up in the morning I
am usually awake and alert by the time I walk up my flight of stairs. For me hammocks
definitely provide a better night of sleep than a bed.
For the first two weeks of my experiment I tracked how long I slept and how I felt during
the day, and put them in a chart.

Week 1: Double Hammock

Date

Type of Day

Time Asleep

Sleep Quality
(1-5)

General State Notes

9/28
Monday

School+Work

7.5 hours

Tired

Body still needs to

adjust to
hammock. Had a
late busy night.

9/29
Tuesday

School+Thea
ter

7.9 hours

Awake

Sleeping not a
problem, woke up
in middle of night
feeling sick.
Hammock
unrelated.

9/30
Wednesday

School+Work

8.1 hours

Tired

Better night of
sleep. Getting use
to the hammock.

10/1
Thursday

School+Thea
ter

7.5 hours

Awake

Good night of
sleep

10/2
Friday

School+Thea
ter

6.9 hours

Awake

Type of Day

Time Asleep

Sleep Quality
(1-5)

General State Notes

Week 2
Date

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10/5
Monday

School+Work

8 hours

Awake

10/6
Tuesday

School+Thea
ter

7.7 hours

Awake

10/7
Wednesday

Peacock field
trip+Theater+
Work

7.7 hours

Awake

10/8
Thursday

Show+School 7.5 hours

Awake

10/9
Friday

Show

Awake

7.9 hours

As seen by my chart at first hammocking did not prove to be as beneficial to sleep than I
thought it would be. But like everything it takes time for the body to adjust. By the second week
my body had adjusted. Leaving me with a great night of sleep every night. As I slept more in the
hammock I seem to be less tired during the day, I fall asleep in class less, I feel more attentive,
and more energetic. Even on days with small amounts of sleep I still feel rested enough to go
through the day.
Im not the only one who thinks hammocks are better for a night of sleep. In an interview
with another hammock sleeper Logan Boyce I had asked him what sets a hammock apart from a
bed. In his opinion Logan thinks that hammocks are just like beds, the only difference is one is
on the ground and the other is hanging above the ground. Hammocking is a different experience
for everyone, for Logan there is no difference between a bed and a hammock. For my brother
who slept in a hammock for a night, he did not like it the first night and did not give it a chance
in the second night. For me, I love sleeping in a hammock. Everything is just depending on
personal preference.
Through this extensive research I have found many reasons why a hammock can provide
a better night of sleep. I found that a hammock will affect sleep in every little way. Starting with

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the brain, hammocks will synchronize brain spindles with the rock of the hammock, resulting in
falling asleep faster, and staying in a deeper sleep for longer. Physically a hammock can relieve
back and joint pain since there are no hard points of a hammock. Hammocks are warmer, cleaner,
more comfortable, and less expensive than a bed. From sleeping in a hammock for three months
I have noticed a great change in the quality of my sleep and I think anyones sleep quality can
change for the better with a hammock because hammocks will provide a better night of sleep.
(1)My setup.

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