Sleeping on the Floor – Should You Try It?

Sleeping on the floor is known to cure back pain, and it is also good for the spine. No wonder, our ancestors never complained of back pain or neck pain. So should you try sleeping on the floor too? Read to find out.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Sleeping on the Floor

Many people think that sleeping on the floor can lead to body pain if you sleep on a cement or ceramic floor. But sleeping on a wooden floor can be beneficial for your body. Here are some ways by which sleeping on the floor benefits you.

1. It Improves Posture

When you sleep on the bed, you will often wake up with pain in your shoulder. You may experience shoulder pain because when you sleep on the bed, your body is not well aligned and your posture is incorrect. But you won’t experience pain in your shoulders if you sleep on the floor because you will probably have a mat between your body and the floor, thus your head, neck, and back will be properly aligned which will improve your posture.

2. Treats Back Pain

Sleeping on the floor can cure back pain because when you sleep on the floor, your spine stays straight, in fact, it gets a chance to realign itself.

3. Improves Blood Circulation

When sleeping posture is correct, blood circulation is good. A good blood circulation helps in maintaining a healthy body.

4. Cures Insomnia

If you can sleep in a good and comfortable posture, you will sleep better. This will reduce your chances of suffering from insomnia or sleeplessness which if not taken care on time can lead to many health problems.

5. Relaxes the Muscles

When you sleep on the floor, your body is in perfect alignment. Moreover, sleeping on the floor makes you feel like being one with nature. This relaxes and comforts your body and gives you a peaceful sleep.

How to Develop the Habit of Sleeping on the Floor

Sleeping on the floor after sleeping on a cushy bed for years will be a big change. It may not be easy for you; however with time, you will get used to it and after a few days, you may even enjoy sleeping on the floor. Given below are a few ways in which can prepare yourself to sleep on the floor.

1. Prepare Yourself

You will have to prepare yourself mentally for this big change. We know giving up that cushy and comfy bed of yours will be hard, but if you want to say goodbye to back pain and body pain, you will have to do it. It can be a big deal for many; however, nothing is impossible if you stay strong. Initially, you may have a few sleepless nights, but after a period of time, you will get used to it. In fact, you will enjoy sleeping on the floor.

2. Choose the Right Mat

Sleeping on the floor isn’t about sleeping directly “on the floor”. You can sleep on a simple mat. You can even place a carpet and a cotton mattress on top to avoid the coldness of the floor. Other options can be a futon, massage mats, or even rattan mats.

3. Choose the Right Pillow

Pillows are used to provide support to the neck and head while sleeping. However, some people who sleep on the floor think that if they use a pillow, they may not be able to reap the benefits of sleeping on the floor. But that is not true. Sleeping with too many pillows is not recommended. If you use 2-3 pillows, you may wake up with a stiff neck. However, sleeping with an extra pillow between your legs or your two arms may make you sleep better.

4. Sleep in the Correct Position

Sleeping in the right position is also important if you want to sleep better. You can sleep on your side or back. A good sleeping position can lower your body pain.

Sleeping Positions That You Must Consider

There are many types of sleeping positions that you can consider when you sleep on the floor. But there are three positions that are considered to be the safest.

1. Sideways

People who sleep without a pillow can use their arm as a pillow while sleeping sideways or you can use a thin pillow to rest your head. However, do not bring your knees up in front of your chest. It is also advisable to turn on both sides while sleeping since sleeping only on one side regularly may shift the chest and spine on that particular side causing a serious health hazard.

2. On Your Stomach

Sleeping on your stomach is another good position. Instead of using pillows, use your forearms to support your face. This will give you space to easily breathe and also correct the position of your spine. This position is also good for digestion. However, it can strain your neck, as a result, you may experience neck pain when you wake up in the morning.

3. On Your Back

Sleeping on your back is said to be the best sleeping position. It straightens the spine and provides rest to the neck. It is also said to be the best position to sleep in if you have from back pain. However, people who sleep on their back are the ones who snore the most and may also suffer from acid reflux and sleep apnea.

How to Select the Right Surface to Sleep on the Floor

People prefer sleeping on the floor if the surface is firm, but there are a few, who would like their bedding on the floor to be bit cushy. You can consider bedding, but you should not add too many layers if you want to reap the benefits of sleeping on the floor. You can sleep on a mattress. Some of the options in the mattress are given below:

1. A Thin Cotton Mattress

It is common to see people sleeping on a floor mattress in India. It is made up of light cotton cloth which is stuffed with cotton. This mattress is neither too soft nor is it too firm.

2. A Rattan Mat

This mat is great for taking a nap on a summer afternoon on the floor. It is extremely light and thin, and you will feel that you are sleeping on the floor.

3. A Futon

Futons are semi-thick and make the transition from sleeping on a bed to sleeping on the floor smooth and easy. So, you can try this as well.

4. A Thick Carpet

Just spread a bed cover on top of the carpet and nothing will keep you away from a peaceful sleep.

5. A Massage Mat

This can be a great option while sleeping on a concrete floor. The mats are thin and therefore you can really feel the floor. The biggest advantage of this mat is that some of them have the ability to heat which can keep your body warm despite sleeping on the floor.

FAQs

Here are answers to a couple of frequently asked questions on the said topic.

1. Is It Safe to Sleep on the Floor during Pregnancy?

Sleeping on the floor during pregnancy is absolutely safe. However, sleep on a soft mattress. During pregnancy, the growing uterus will put pressure on the blood vessels behind the uterus and sleeping on a firm surface will only add to the pressure. So, if you want to sleep on the floor, use a mattress and sleep well.

2. What Can Be the Possible Disadvantages of Sleeping on the Floor?

A few of the disadvantages of sleeping on the floor are mentioned below:

• You may face health problems because of the dust on the floor if you don’t clean the floor regularly.
• When you sleep on the floor, the mattress or bedding is placed directly on the floor. All the heat and sweat of the person sleeping on it gets trapped since there is no airflow to let out the heat or dry up the sweat. This results in the formation of mould which can cause serious allergies and health problems.
• Sleeping on the floor can give rise to bed bugs on your mattress or bedding.
• Sleeping on the cement, marble, granite, and ceramic floors can do more harm than good to your health. It can result in pneumonia or a cough and cold.

Sleeping on the floor can cure your body pain and help you sleep better. Give it a try – you will sleep sound and feel energetic all day long.

Also Read:

Is It Safe to Sleep Immediately After Eating Food
Effective Tips for Getting a Good Sleep at Night
Is It Safe to Sleep With Earbuds or Headphones On