Hammocks?

[Dom343]

Hey there. I'm considering replacing my bed with a hammock. After a little research I've heard lots of benefits but none in regards to lucid dreaming. There's a lot of edgy science about 'the swaying motion emits delta waves in the brain' and other iffy claims; but does anybody actually have better lucid dreaming success in a hammock? Thanks a lot, feedback will be appreciated.

[Burke]

During naps, rocking can reduce the time needed to fall asleep, increase N2 sleep (deeper than REM but not fully deep sleep), and increase the length of deep sleep. In other words, during naps, rocking would likely inhibit lucid dreaming since more N2 and deep sleep reduces the time you have for REM sleep, though it may be offset by less time to fall asleep. Chances are your comfort in a hammock compared to a bed would have much more impact. As far as brain waves go, the only source I could find regarding rocking affecting brain waves determined that only sleep spindles increase. Sleep spindles are found in N2 sleep, primarily, and often in deep sleep. They have a unique frequency which is where you can extrapolate them as being 'brain waves'. They're most likely involved in memory consolidation and plasticity, not having any observed effect on dreaming. The title of the paper, "Rocking synchronizes brain waves during a short nap", is pretty much clickbait in journal form (PLEASE watch for this, especially if news media starts anything with "A new study shows!" It's a massive pet peeve of mine). In terms of full-length sleep, rocking causes higher REM density (eye movements during REM) but no change in the amount of REM. I'm not aware of any correlation between REM density and dream content, lucidity, or vividness, but I wouldn't expect one. Also keep in mind that sleeping in a hammock does not guarantee rocking. You're fairly still while sleeping and any movement isn't likely to promote smooth, rhythmic rocking which these claims are based off of. The biggest factor I think you'll encounter is your comfort while sleeping. If you're super comfortable in a hammock, more-so than in a bed, then you'll probably have more success in a hammock. Lucid dreaming is heavily influenced by your mindset and if you can't get comfortable in your sleeping arrangements you aren't going to have much success. I can't vouch for a hammocks' success/failure since I haven't even been in a hammock in years, but if you're doing it purely for lucid dreaming I'd consider other options.

[Dom343]

Thanks a lot Burke! I'll definitely take what you said into my research on the topic. Really appreciate it