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Sleeping on the floor is a thing in many countries. This is quite well-known now, although it was not almost a decade ago.
People of all ages and backgrounds often choose to sleep on the floor. It's more common than using a bed or mattress on the floor when sleeping, particularly in some cultures.
Are you wondering if sleeping on the floor is good for you? There may be advantages and disadvantages to floor sleeping, but not much has been studied on the topic scientifically.
To help you decide whether or not floor sleeping is right for you, we've laid out some of its benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of sleeping on the floor
There are many potential benefits of floor sleeping, like feeling cooler (especially applicable in hotter countries), and improved posture and relief from lower back pain.
1) Helps stay cool during the night
Sleeping on the floor is generally practiced in hotter or torrid countries. That'ss because the natural coolness of the earth at night helps cool down the body and makes it easier for you to have a comfortable sleep.
Moreover, as warm air rises, sleeping on the floor provides a more comfortable sleeping environment. When the floor is cold, it quickly dissipates the heat the body generates. That can be especially helpful during the warmer summer months for people who tend to sleep hot. Sleep quality improves across the board when the temperature is reduced in the bedroom.
2) Can improve posture
Back pain isn't the only issue poor posture can cause; it can also lead to things like stiffness, spinal misalignment and harm to the spine.
Sleeping on the floor can help maintain the natural curve of the spine, as you won’t sink too deep into the mattress and hence won't have to worry about sleeping posture.
However, you may require the assistance of pillows, like a thin pillow placed beneath the lower back to alleviate strain on the spine.
3) May relieve lower back pain
Many people suffer from lower back pain, and there's a wide variety of reasons that causes chronic backache in people. It's possible that a firmer sleep surface could provide some relief from back pain, but that would depend on the source of your pain and preferred sleeping position.
For instance, back pain is a common symptom of pregnancy. It's likely that most pregnant women would rather sleep in a bed, but some may find that sleeping on a firm surface like the floor is more restful.
Some individuals sleep on mattresses that are excessively soft for their weight. When a mattress is too soft, it's more likely that you will sink deep into it. That can result in an improper sleeping position, causing the spine to curve out of place. This misalignment can lead to increased pressure on the spine and back pain.
Studies have found that medium-firm mattresses are the most effective in relieving back pain, improving spinal alignment and enhancing sleep quality. Nonetheless, even medium-firm mattresses are much more comfortable than the floor.
Are there any drawbacks of sleeping on the floor?
Possibile disadvantages of floor sleeping include increased back pain, allergies and discomfort:
1) May be too cold
A cooler sleep surface, which may be an advantage of floor sleeping during the summer, may be a disadvantage during the winter. Some individuals may find it too cold to sleep on the floor.
2) Can increase allergen exposure
The bedroom is home to a variety of allergens, including dust mites, dust and mold, all of which can affect sleep quality. As a result of being exposed to more allergens while sleeping on the floor, sleep quality may suffer.
3) May increase back pain
While some individuals with back pain find that floor sleeping is beneficial, others may find that it exacerbates their pain. Without sufficient cushioning around pressure points like the hips and shoulders, floor sleeping can cause discomfort and stiffness.
In studies of adults with lower back pain, medium-firm mattresses provide more relief than firm mattresses over a 90-day period, both during the day and while sleeping.
Tips for sleeping on the floor
If you plan on sleeping on the floor, remove anything that could cause you harm if you rolled over while you were asleep. Clear the air of dust and allergens by regularly sweeping, mopping or vacuuming the floor. Make sure to regularly clean the floor coverings.
The floor may not feel as comfortable as your usual bed when you're trying to get to sleep. Pillows can be used to support the spine's normal curve, helping prevent back pain.
If you sleep on your back, you can ease the strain on the lower spine by placing a thin pillow behind your lower back and another between the knees. Placing a pillow at each end of the neck and between the knees can help keep the spine in proper alignment while you sleep.
Most people who sleep on their back prefer a pillow with a medium loft. You can also do yoga exercises for better sleep.
