The recent spurt of warm weather has many UNCW students loading up their cars with all the beach necessities and taking off to the shore. Recently, another must-have item was added to the mix- hammocks.

Beach-goers like to tie hammocks beneath piers and sway carelessly near the ocean. However, it’s not just the beach that sees this trend taking off- the warm weather has sparked an increase of hammocks across campus as well.

The trees fill up with students napping in hammocks on sunny afternoons while students accustomed to the tradition, like freshman Christina Wytko, fill the spaces.

“I’m from the mountains, so we used them when we would go camping and stuff like that,” Wytko said. “I was really surprised though by the amount of people here that had never seen them before coming to Wilmington.”

So, what is the fascination with hammocks? It started thousands of years ago.

The hammock originated in Central America where hammocks were used to prevent a person from contact with the ground or possible interaction with small rodents and/or snakes. They were also used to help people keep warm by placing hot coals or fire beneath them while they slept, confirmed by Latin American history professor, Eva Mehl.

However, the modern day hammock is most commonly used for relaxation.

“They are so relaxing. I find it more bearable to read and do school work when I am outside in my hammock,” Wytko said. “They are really comfortable; I’ve even slept in mine overnight before.”

This isn’t a rare practice. A study published in Current Biology suggests the swaying motion in a hammock stimulates a feeling in the brain similar to the sensation a baby gets when rocked to sleep. It often puts a person into a deeper, more relaxed slumber, said the study.

Not only do hammocks provide relaxation, but they’re just plain fun. There is an art to the hammock, according to Wytko, that makes them more enjoyable.

“I’ve definitely noticed an increase in the popularity of hammocks lately and I love it. It’s really fun trying to figure out ways to fit a lot of hammocks in a small space,” Wytko said. “A lot of the times I arrange when to meet with friends after class to figure out a set up. It’s cool trying to find new ways to tie them up with more people. The hammocks are also really small when you put them away, so I carry mine with me to class in case I see a nice place to tie it up while I’m out. It’s like an adventure.”

Hammocks generally range from about $50-70. They can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, but Wytko recommends checking out Amazon.com to look for a cheaper price. They are sold in both single and double nested versions (straps sold separately.)

With spring right around the corner, it is likely hammocks of all colors and designs will start to pop up around campus. Whether students use them to help take their minds off school or to hang out with friends, the hammock is yet another thing that helps make UNCW, “The Dub.”