Sleeping on the Floor: Benefits & Side Effects
Benefits of Sleeping on the Floor: Potential benefits of resting on the ground include a cooler slumber environment, relief from back pain, and improved posture.
The Healthiest
Benefits of Sleeping on the Floor: Numerous individuals favor sleeping on the floor. In some cultures, sleeping on the floor rather than in a bed is the norm. Some individuals choose to slumber on the floor for personal reasons. Many people prefer to live a more minimalist lifestyle, which is made possible by sleeping on the floor. Some individuals may slumber on the floor because they currently lack the space or funds for a full-sized cot.
Regardless of what ignited your interest in resting on the floor, it is normal to question whether or not it is healthy. Although there are potential benefits and drawbacks to resting on the floor, very little scientific research has been conducted on the topic. Before making a decision about lying on the floor, it may be beneficial to weigh the benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits of Sleeping on the Floor
Potential benefits of resting on the ground include a cooler slumber environment, relief from back pain, and improved posture.
The Cooler Temperature May Be More Comfortable
Since heat rises, resting on the floor should provide a cooler slumber environment. When the floor itself is chilly, it rapidly reduces body heat. This can make sleep more pleasant for those who slumber hot, particularly during the humid summer months. In general, individuals incline to sleep better in n a cooler bedroom environment.
It May Offer Relief From Back Pain
The majority of orthopedic surgeons (75%) believe that a firmer mattress is preferable for back pain. Additionally, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke recommends that individuals with back discomfort sleep on a firm surface.
The causes of back discomfort are varied and numerous. Depending on the source of your back discomfort and your preferred sleeping position, a firmer sleep surface may be able to provide relief. Pregnancy, for example, is a common time to experience back discomfort. Some pregnant women may find sleeping on a solid surface, such as the floor, to be more comforting than sleeping on a bed.
Some individuals sleep on mattresses that are excessively plush for their weight. When a mattress is too soft, it is more likely that you will settle thoroughly into it. This can result in an improper sleeping position that causes the spine to curve out of place. This misalignment can lead to increased pressure on the spine and back discomfort.
In a meta-analysis of 24 studies, researchers discovered that, of all mattress varieties, medium-firm mattresses consistently provided the most back pain relief, along with enhanced spinal alignment and sleep quality. Nonetheless, medium-firm mattresses are considerably gentler than the floor.
It May Improve Your Posture
Inadequate posture can also contribute to back pain and lead to other issues such as decreased flexibility, spinal misalignment, and increased injury risk. Good posture supports your spine's natural curvature. Because you do not have to worry about sinking too deeply into a mattress, sleeping on the floor can make it simpler to maintain a straight posture while you sleep. You may, however, need to use pillows to alleviate pressure on your spine, such as positioning a thin pillow beneath your lower back.
Downsides of Sleeping on the Floor
Potential drawbacks of sleeping on the floor may include increased back pain, allergies, and discomfort.
It May Increase Back Pain
While some individuals with back pain find that sleeping on the floor is advantageous, others may find that it worsens their discomfort. Without sufficient cushioning around pressure points such as the pelvis and shoulders, lying on the floor can cause discomfort and stiffness.
In studies of adults with lower back discomfort, medium-firm mattresses provided more alleviation than firm mattresses over a 90-day period, both during the day and while sleeping.
It May Be Too Cold to Be Comfortable
When it comes to floor sleeping, what may be a benefit during the summer —a cooler sleep surface — may be a drawback during the winter. Because heat rises, some people find sleeping on the floor to be too cold.
It May Increase Your Allergen Exposure
Your bedroom is home to a variety of allergens, including dust mites, pollen, and mildew, all of which can affect the quality of your sleep. As a consequence of being exposed to more allergens while resting on the floor, sleep quality may suffer.
Is Sleeping on the Floor Safe?
Some individuals, including the elderly and those with certain health conditions, mobility issues, or allergies, should avoid sleeping on the floor. Consult a specialist before resting on the floor if you belong to one of these high-risk categories.
As we age, we become more susceptible to the weather and our bones weaken. Additionally, older individuals may suffer from arthritis or mobility issues, which can increase their risk of falling. Sleeping on the floor may exacerbate their sensations of coldness or increase their risk of injury.
Certain medical conditions, such as anemia, hypothyroidism, and diabetes, make some individuals more sensitive to frigid temperatures. This sensation may be exacerbated by floor sleeping.
If you have difficulty sitting and standing, particularly from the floor, it is preferable to slumber on a bed or a modified cot. It is simpler for individuals with mobility issues to get into and out of a bed that is elevated from the floor. Back pain risk is increased when rising from the floor to a standing position.
How to Sleep on the Floor
If you’ve decided to try sleeping on the floor, you may want to try these tips to make your sleep more comfortable.
Keep the Floor Clean and Clear
Keeping your bedroom clean and free of clutter makes it easier to get into a headspace that’s conducive for sleep. If you’ll be sleeping on the floor, clear the area around your sleeping area of anything that you could injure yourself with or roll over onto. Regularly vacuum, sweep, or mop the floor to pick up debris and allergens. Frequently wash your floor bedding as well.
Create Your Bed
As with a conventional bed, there are numerous alternatives for designing an optimal floor sleeping space. Some individuals opt for the bare minimum and lie on a blanket or mat. Others prefer a touch more cushion, such as what a sleeping bag, futon, or memory foam topper provides. There are also foldable or rollable floor mattresses available. Finally, a traditional mattress can be placed on the floor without a bed frame. Add additional bedding and layers to achieve comfort.
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Support Your Sleep Position
The transition to the floor could alter your favored sleeping position. You may discover you prefer an entirely different sleeping position. You can sleep comfortably in any position by using cushions to support the natural curvature of your spine.
Back sleepers can alleviate pressure on the lower back by placing a thin pillow beneath the lower back and another pillow beneath the legs. Head pillows should occupy the space between the neck and the floor to support spinal alignment. For back sleepers, a pillow with a medium elevation or thickness is typically the most effective.
To alleviate tension, side sleepers may position a bolster between their knees. An additional, narrow pillow can be comfortable between the pelvis and the floor. To prevent aches and pains, the elevation of the head pillow should be sufficient to occupy the space between the shoulder and the nape of the neck.
Those who lie on their stomach are most susceptible to cervical and back strain. Try sleeping without a head support (or with a very thin one) to avoid this. A small bolster placed beneath the pelvis can also provide relief.
Test It Out With a Nap
It can feel drastically different to slumber on the floor versus a bed. Getting accustomed to it may take several days or more. Test out napping on the floor in various positions by taking a snooze first.
Some people enjoy sleeping on the floor, while others find it uncomfortable. You can always return to a conventional bed if you do not enjoy the experience.
