Are you trying the minimalist lifestyle? Or is sleeping on the floor a suggestion from your doctor?
Whatever the reason, sleeping on the floor is a fantastic way for many. It helps you cut down on not just space at home but the budget as well as you no longer need to spend money on thick comfy mattresses or cots.
It’s time now to shift our focus towards the health aspect and answer the question – is sleeping on the floor good for your back?
Is Sleeping On The Floor Good For Your Back?
Yes. That’s because –
1) The floor may reduce back pain.
What do you do when you have back pain? Take a pill? Get a massage?
Imagine getting a massage all night while you sleep peacefully! Sleeping on the floor does just that.
If you use a massage mat to sleep on your floor instead of a mattress or futon, you can relieve your backache. Additionally, you get to relax your otherwise stiff muscles and relieve some stress.
The increased blood flow and reduced inflammation that comes as a result of a massage also helps you build your strength.
2) The floor may reduce back problems.
According to a study done by physiotherapist Michael Tetley, people who sleep on the floor like forest dwellers and nomads, often have fewer musculoskeletal lesions than the rest of us who sleep on comfy mattresses.
Also, because soft mattresses aren’t firm like the floor, they can let your spine curve instead of keeping it straight. And this further leads to back problems.
3) The floor may improve your posture.
Because our big and soft mattresses aren’t too firm, they let the spine curve. This not only may cause pain but also hamper your posture for life.
You may have an ergonomic chair on which you spend 8-9 working hours. But it’s essential to check where you sleep, as well because you spend around the same time napping. And long-term lack of posture can lead to problems like scoliosis.
Thankfully, sleeping on the floor ensures that your head, shoulders, neck, spine, and hips stay aligned.
Is It Healthy To Sleep On The Floor?
Like everything else in life, sleeping on the floor has its pros and cons. Let’s check them one by one.
Benefits of sleeping on the floor –
1) Sleeping on the floor may increase your sleep quality.
Experts believe that having a cool room temperature helps you sleep for a deeper and longer session. Guess what? The floor is at least a couple of degrees cooler than your bed. People suffering from heat exhaustion find this really helpful.
The floor also helps you relax better, as it does not restrict your space. This relaxation adds to the sleep quality as well.
2) It saves you money which you can invest in better things.
You know how expensive a so-called cozy, comfy, and healthy foam mattress can be. Imagine not having to buy it ever again?
If you can switch to an inexpensive futon, sleeping bag, yoga mat, or acupressure mat, you save yourself a load of money.
You can invest this money in organic food or that gym membership you have been thinking about. Some people ask “does sleeping on the floor reduce weight?”. You now have the answer. These investments not only help you do that but enhance your overall health while you sleep.
Disadvantages of sleeping on the floor –
1) More allergies:
When you sleep on the floor, you are closer to the dust, bugs, termites, etc., that makes home on the floor. This can result in increased allergies, especially if you have a weak immune system.
2) More back pain (initially):
What? Didn’t we just tell you that sleeping on the floor reduces backaches? Well, not initially.
You see if you have never tried sleeping on the floor before. And have been using comfy-pricey mattresses all your life, you will find it a bit difficult to adjust to the ‘floor-life’. And for the first week or so, you may experience back pain.
Can Anyone Sleep On The Floor?
Not everyone can and should sleep on the floor. It’s good for healthy individuals who wish to prevent backache and cherish the other health benefits mentioned above.
But there are some types of people who are better off with a comfy bed –
- People above the age of 50.
- Pregnant women.
- People with allergies.
- Those who are not comfortable with cold temperatures.
- People with reduced mobility.
- People with joint issues/skeletal problems.
Also, people already having back pain should consult a doctor before shifting to sleeping on the floor.
The Final Word
Is sleeping on the floor good for your back? Yes!
But can all of us enjoy the benefits of sleeping on the floor? Unfortunately, no.
Sleeping on the floor doesn’t suit everybody, but you can consider giving it a try. After all, not only does it help your back stay fit, but also helps you save money and improve your sleep quality. Thus, helping your body, mind, and soul in one go.
Whatever you decide, make sure to run it through your doctor once. In case you have a back problem, your doctor will be better able to assist you on how to go about sleeping on the floor.
Happy sleeping!
