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Hammocks & Well-Being: Relaxing Sway, Restful Sleep, and Body Support

A hammock is more than just a decorative object or a piece of relaxation furniture! As Latin Americans have long known, a hammock can support your back health and improve sleep quality. Recent scientific studies and journalistic research show that resting or sleeping in a hammock can: 1.) Improve sleep quality, 2.) Reduce back pain, 3.) Calm the nervous system

A Lifestyle Good for Body and Mind

A gift for your back, your mind, and your relaxation

A Gift for Your Back, Mind, and Rest

The soothing motion: gentle rocking for better sleep
Sleeping or napping in a fabric or high-quality net hammock helps the brain enter deep sleep faster. Hammocks are especially beneficial for people struggling with insomnia. Their gentle rocking mimics intrauterine movements, providing a natural sense of security and relaxation.

The inherent sway of a hammock promotes quicker sleep onset, full-body relaxation, and healthier rest.

Hammock movement affects brain waves, just like rocking a baby.
A study conducted in Mexico found that adults sleeping in a hammock fell asleep faster and experienced nearly 20 extra minutes of continuous sleep per night compared to those in a conventional bed.

Good for Your Entire Body

When properly tensioned and lying diagonally, a hammock conforms to the body’s natural shape, evenly distributing weight and reducing pressure on the spine and other body parts.

A 2025 clinical study found that 10-minute daily sessions in a quality hammock improved flexibility and reduced lower back and neck pain – a simple solution for: 1.) Mild or stress-related back pain, 2.) Blood circulation and breathing, 3.) Acid reflux / stomach discomfort. The even weight distribution also benefits muscles and the stomach. My wife, for example, found that lying in a hammock during pregnancy helped significantly reduce chronic heartburn.

    Pain relief is primarily linked to improved circulation and deep muscle relaxation.

    Babies and Moms Confirm: Hammocks Promote Calm and Sleep

    Even newborns can benefit from hammocks. Studies on preterm infants showed improvements in sleep-wake patterns, reduced heart and breathing rates, and better oxygenation.

    The gentle sway and weight distribution support natural physiological regulation from birth.

    Daily Well-Being: A Relaxation Ritual Rooted in Culture

    In villages across Yucatán and Guatemala, locals say: “The hammock cures the fatigue of the day.”
    Hammocks provide a moment of lightness, release tension, and encourage deep breathing.
    They offer a meditative pause that reconnects you with yourself – a timeless, calming lifestyle for the whole family.

    Conclusion

    Choosing a Maya Dreams hammock is more than owning a handcrafted object – it’s inviting well-being, restful sleep, and serenity into your home!


    Scientific References

    Rocking & Sleep:
    “Effects of sleeping in a hammock on polysomnographic sleep parameters in young adults”,
    C. Rojas-Rodríguez et al., Revista de Investigación Clínica, 2020 — PubMed

    Hammocks & Back Pain:
    “Effects of a Postural Hammock on Pain, Hamstring Flexibility, and Functional Capacity in People with Low Back Pain”,
    R. Fernández-Rodríguez et al., Medicina, 2025 — MDPI

    Preterm Infant Sleep:
    “Comparison of hammock positioning and nesting on cardiorespiratory parameters in preterm infants”,
    R. V. Nascimento et al., Respiratory Care Journal, 2018 — Liebert

    Term Infant Sleep:
    “Cardiorespiratory safety of hammock sleeping in term infants”,
    P. C. Machado et al., Pediatric Pulmonology, 2014 — PubMed

    Traditional Use in Yucatán:
    “Hamaca y Cambio Social en Yucatán”,
    Othón Baños Ramírez, Revista Mexicana del Caribe, 2003 — Universidad de Quintana Roo


    Handcrafted Hammocks – Organic Cotton
    Suspended in the air, your body balances, your mind relaxes, your discomfort fades … and the world slows down.

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    15 Perfect Spots to Hang Your Hammock

    A hammock is far more than just a relaxing accessory—it’s an invitation to wander, dream, and slow down. Whether you live in the city, the countryside, or by the ocean, there’s always a perfect spot to stretch your ropes and sway gently. Inspired by our customers and our own experiences, here are 15 ideas to enjoy your hammock to the fullest.


    1. Under a Pergola

    Girl Lying in a wide hammock for 2 people - Mayan dreams Hammocks 2021

    Create an elegant shaded corner with ease. Canvas or wide-net hammocks fit beautifully and add a chic bohemian touch to your outdoor space.

    La Antigua, Guatemala, XL net hammock


    2. On a Beach of the Pacific

    The ultimate dream spot! Hang a net hammock in Yucatan style, ideally between two palms, and turn it into your personal seaside siesta bed.

    Playa de la Barra, Taxisco, Santa Rosa, Guatemala


    3. In a Park

    Hamac beige Large – Parc dübendorf 2025

    All you need is a simple hanging kit, like our Ropes & Woods kit to transform two trees into a cozy temporary retreat. Lightweight and easy to set up, perfect for bar-style hammocks.

    DĂĽbendorf, Canton of Zurich, large handcrafted net hammock


    4. By the Lake

    hanging-chair-view on lac - Au zurich for mayan dreams- 2021

    A net double hammock in cotton is ideal for enjoying the sparkling water reflections, book in hand, with nature all around.

    Au ZH, Zurich Lac, hanging chair, and net hammock


    5. Outside a Bungalow

    A classic travel scene: a multicolor canvas hammock or bar hammock suspended from the beams, perfect for watching the sunset right from your room.

    El Paredon, Surf Beach, Guatemala, Handcrafted Multicolor Fabric Hammock

    Mayan hammock in front of bungalow


    6. In a Courtyard

    image client guatemala city - hammock with bars in a patio

    Hammocks create intimate and social spaces. Medium-sized models or even hammocks with bars are great for fitting between walls or smaller spaces.

    One of our clients in Guatemala City , hammock with bars


    7. Mountain Chalet…

    There’s nothing better than a sturdy net hammock with macramé to admire snow-covered pines near the chimney.

    In a chalet in the Jura Mountains, Switzerland, large black net hammock with macramé


    .

    8. …Or a Renovated Barn

    Pairing colorful hammocks with rustic wood brings warmth and authenticity to any space.

    Renovated barn in the Swiss Alps, Pays d’Enhaut, double fabric hammock shades of green

    Large Mayan Fabric hammock green shades_Pays d_Enhaut 05/2024


    9. Loft Apartment

    Even in the city, a hammock has its place. Mounted on the ceiling with proper ceiling/wall steel fixations for cement and wood, it becomes a dreamy reading nook..

    One-room apartment in Guatemala City, mayan hammock with brown shades


    10. Terrace

    A hammock adds style and conviviality. Summer evenings stretch on in the gentle sway of your hammock.

    One of our clients in Switzerland, hammock with bars

    Wonderful Hammock with bars and Macramé


    11. Urban Balcony

    With a wall-mount kit, even tiny balconies can become a personal retreat. Medium hammocks adapt perfectly to these smaller spaces.

    One of our clients in Switzerland , handcrafted net hammock with blue lines – Medium size


    12. Modern Concrete Studio

    Hammocks create intimate and social spaces. Medium-sized models are great for fitting between walls or smaller spaces.

    One of our clients in Guatemala City , hammock with bars

    Lofts and raw interiors gain warmth with a canvas hammock. Using secure bolts for cement ensures safety and long-lasting use.


    Hanging Your Hammock Without Stress

    Setting up a hammock may seem simple, but the real challenge is finding the right height and distance. Too tight and comfort disappears; too loose and you touch the ground.

    Here’s how to make it stress-free:


    13. Beachside Airbnb Under a Rancho

    A double canvas hammock becomes the heart of the experience. Nothing says vacation like a breezy rancho with a hammock swaying gently in the wind.

    El paredon , Guatemala


    14. Hanging Chair in a Loft

    Perfect for small spaces: a hanging chair creates a cozy nook without taking up floor space.

    One of our clients in Switzerland, hanging-chair with tree bars


    15. Veranda with a Freestanding Hammock

    No walls or trees? No problem. A freestanding hammock stand can go anywhere, turning your veranda into a natural extension of your living room.

    The Veranda of Ruthisauer Garten in DĂĽbendorf , beige net hammock with hammock stand in wood, Latino relax xl.


    Conclusion: A Lifestyle Suspended

    A hammock isn’t just furniture—it transforms spaces and daily habits. Canvas, fabric, bar-style, medium, or double hammock, it adapts to almost any environment. With the right mounting systems, a hammock symbolizes freedom, comfort, and slow living, wherever you are.

    So… where do you dream of hanging your hammock from our Mayan Dreams Boutique? 🌿

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    How to Choose Your Handmade Hammock? Our Practical Guide

    XXL Loft Alsace 2024 Fred

    A hammock is the art of doing nothing… in style. Whether it’s for an afternoon nap, reading a good book, or simply cloud-watching, the right artisanal hammock can transform your daily life. But beware—not all hammocks are created equal. Here’s a practical (and slightly playful) guide to avoid rookie mistakes and find the hammock of your dreams.


    1. Hammock Size: Not Too Short, Not Too Long

    Quick reminder: you should lie diagonally in a hammock, not like a sardine packed in a can. The good news? You don’t need a hammock exactly the same length as you are, and the suspension can often be adjusted.

    At Mayan Dreams, we’ve got hammock sizes for every need: S, M, L, and XL, all neatly categorized in our shop.

    • S: for kids, the net has the same size as the one of our adult hammock chair.
    • M: perfect for small spaces or solo naps.
    • L: more spacious, with royal comfort.
    • XL Double Hammock: the king-size version! Ideal for sharing with a partner… or sprawling out solo like a rock star.

    👉 Pro tip: hang your hammock at about half its length in height for the perfect balance.


    2. With or without spreader bars? Spoiler: Without is better

    You’ve seen them: hammocks with wooden spreader bars at each end. They look nice… but stability-wise, they’re closer to a catapult than a cocoon. Proof? Most “funny hammock fail” videos on YouTube involve… you guessed it, hammocks with bars.

    That said, we do offer one exception: our Dreamcatcher bar hammock. With carefully adjusted ropes, it creates a rounder, safer shape that hugs the body vertically.

    Still, the classic bar-free artisanal hammock naturally adapts to your body in any position. The diagonal position is the way to go: safer, comfier, and zero risk of flipping over mid-siesta.


    3. Net or fabric? A matter of style (and climate)

    The eternal debate: hammock net or hammock fabric?

    • Artisanal net hammock
      Unlike industrial nets made of bulky knots that dig into your skin, ours are woven with soft, fine mesh. The result? No marks, plenty of airflow, and a featherlight feeling—perfect for hot summer days.
    • Artisanal fabric hammock
      Handwoven with care, the fabric is breathable while also offering better wind protection. Plus, it gives you more privacy—ideal for reading or napping without curious eyes.

    👉 Always feel hot? Go for the net hammock. Love cozy vibes? The fabric hammock is your best friend.


    4. Artisanal vs. industrial: make the right choice

    An artisanal hammock means:

    • Unmatched comfort,
    • Durability that lasts for years,
    • A unique design born from traditional craftsmanship.

    By contrast, industrial hammocks are often disposable, uncomfortable, and soulless. Worse: some are just cultural appropriation disguised as “design.”

    👉 Choosing a fair-trade, artisanal hammock means supporting local artisans, investing in a product that lasts, and owning a hammock with a real story—our vision at Mayan Dreams. Learn more about the fabrication process: Types of hammocks


    5. Where to hang it? Space (and walls) matter!

    Before you fall in love, think about where your hammock will live:

    • Small space? → The artisanal hammock chair is a gem. Fits perfectly on a balcony, in a living room, or even in a bedroom corner.
    • No solid walls? → A hammock stand is a practical solution (a bit bulkier, but still great).
    • Strong walls or ceiling? → Go for a wall-mount hammock fixation with the right screws (wood or cement).

    ⚠️ Safety tip: if you’re unsure about your walls or ceiling, ask a professional. Better safe than turning your nap into an acrobatic stunt!


    Conclusion: a hammock is a lifestyle

    To recap: choose the right size (solo or double hammock XL), skip the bars, decide between net and fabric, go for artisanal over industrial, and adapt the installation to your space.

    An artisanal hammock isn’t just an accessory. It’s a bubble of serenity, an ethical choice, and a little piece of travel suspended in your everyday life.

    👉 Discover our collection of artisanal hammocks, double XL hammocks, hammock chairs, and wall-mount fixations in our Mayan Dreams Boutique. Because life is always better in a hammock.


    Visit our Mayan Boutique

    Many Types and Sizes

    Get artisanal quality hammocks at the bes price

    Two people from up lying in a large green fabric hammock made on wooden looms

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    Proven durability and compliance

    June 12, 2024 – Tests for resistance and chemicals

    Both types of hammocks have passed compliance tests for various standards in force in the European Economic Area. These tests were carried out at the end of 2022 by the specialist Intertek | Total quality. Assured.

    Test report – Resitance net hammmock beige

    Link to the Intertek PDF document for our fisherman’s net hammock.

    07/25/2023 – 1’000 hammocks sold through major french eco fair trade reseller Nature & DĂ©couverte

    It’s time to tell you about a partnership that has enabled us to professionalize our services and promote Mayan craftsmanship on a larger scale starting in 2023.

    We were pleased to be able to collaborate with Hamac del Sol, a company that stands out for its commitment to fair trade, offering handcrafted hammocks made by local artisans in Mexico, Colombia, and Nicaragua. As a WFTO-certified company, Hamac del Sol is committed to respecting the principles of fair trade, such as transparency, equity, sustainability, and participation.

    This agreement has enabled us to manufacture more than 1,200 fabulous handmade hammocks for Nature et Découverte in 2023, including an XXL Mayan hammock. We have been able to create two personalized models.

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    How to wash your hammock?

    In this Post and video tutorial, we show you the best way to clean your hammock and how to avoid problems like tangled threads in zippers or buttons!

    Tips for washing, drying, and keeping it in great shape. A Mayan-Dreams step by step guide with extra information to avoid and deal with possible issues before, during, and after the washing.

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    The Art of Hanging Your Hammock

    Fix your hammock in one minute – Just like in Guatemala

    When you think of hammocks, you immediately picture pure relaxation. But in Guatemala, locals know that true comfort starts with a setup that’s simple and practical.

    I discovered this clever method myself while working on site in a small lakeside hotel. Every morning, we’d unfold the hammocks, and every evening, fold them back up and store them away — all in a heartbeat. I quickly realized that having a sturdy yet easy-to-handle hanging system makes all the difference.

    From that experience, we created our Ropes & Woods Kit, designed and crafted 100% in-house in Switzerland. Our idea? Keep the everyday ease of Guatemala while adding a touch of Swiss Made durability and elegance.

    Eco Swiss Made Hanging-Kit Inspired by inhabitants from Guatemala.

    Why choose our Ropes & Woods Kit?

    ✔️ Unmatched Ease
    Hang and remove your hammock in just one minute — no complicated knots or harsh carabiners needed.

    ✔️ Elegance in Every Detail
    Each piece is made from polished, engraved, and lacquered oak wood, with a rounded shape that protects your hammock loops far better than a standard carabiner.

    ✔️ Premium Materials
    Our ropes come from Meister AG, a renowned Swiss company: UV- and water-resistant, they’re perfect for indoor or outdoor use — on a wall or a tree.

    ✔️ Lightweight and Travel-Friendly
    Weighing under 250 g, it slips easily into your bag — ideal for a weekend getaway or a nature escape.

    ✔️ Durable
    Our kit is durable and designed to extend your hammock’s lifespan.

    https://mayan-dreams.ch/product-category/fixations-and-hanging-kit

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    Mayan Dreams – Our Vision of Fair Trade 🌿

    Fighting Counterfeits Means Choosing True Guatemalan Handcrafts

    Today, we want to share more than just our products. Behind every Guatemalan hammock and handcrafted cushion, there’s a commitment to doing things right: respecting artisans, practicing real fair trade, delivering lasting quality, and sharing our passion.

    Process of weaving net hammock and fixing extremities by hand.

    Is it so difficult to be FAIR?

    Online, cheap imitations are everywhere. Attractive photos, bargain prices… but often they hide low-quality copies that disrespect traditional skills and the artisans who make them.

    Buying responsibly also means learning to recognize true quality.

    Our choice: local action

    Many talk about labels and certifications. We chose to act directly on the ground:

    âś” No unnecessary middlemen
    âś” Direct support for our artisan partners in Guatemala
    âś” Full control of the production chain of our hammocks

    We invest locally to ensure fair pay and respectful working conditions for every artisan. You can look at our page dedicated to the explanation of the two types of handcrafted hammocks we are selling to get additional information about the fabrication process of our products.

    True luxury is sustainable and accessible

    A handcrafted hammock or cushion is a unique piece that lasts. Yes, it may cost more than a cheap industrial copy — but it’s a responsible purchase, more durable, more comfortable, and full of soul.

    Acting together

    We believe every purchase can make a difference. Our mission is to help you recognize real quality, support Guatemalan artisans, and share this unique know-how with the world.

    👉 Discover our products and support genuine fair trade: Boutique Mayan Dreams

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    Guardian of the knowledge

    Even if hammocks are daily business in Guatemala, in some areas just a few people still have the know how to weave. This blind craftsman was the last guardian of this knowledge in the village of Monterrico, on the Pacific Coast.

    The interview of a blind craftsman from the fishermen’s village of Monterrico, crafting a hammock by hand with a weaving shuttle.