In some cultures, it is prevalent to sleep on the floor. But some people prefer to sleep in bed for more comfort. The number of people who started to sleep on the floor is increasing day by day, and the reason is health benefits. There is no scientific evidence that sleeping on the floor provides any health benefits. Still, most people say that it helps reduce their back pain.
Types Of Floor Sleeping
There are two types of floor sleeping which are discussed below.
Sleeping Directly On The Ground
If you just started sleeping on the floor, then you should use a mat or layers of mat to provide some cushioning. In start sleeping directly on the ground can be uncomfortable.
Sleeping On Ground On A Mattress
If you require extra cushioning while sleeping, then sleeping on a mattress can be an option. This way, you will be more protected from the dust and is suitable for those who have certain kinds of allergies.
What Are The Benefits?
Here are some of the benefits of sleeping on the floor.
Back Pain
Sleeping on the floor can help your back pain. Sleeping can help you relieve your back pain, but there is no scientific research. But many people say that after sleeping on the floor, their back pain was reduced.
The reason is that when you lie on a soft mattress, you are sunk into it, and your backbone is curved. No support is provided to your spine, which can lead to back pain. If your mattress is too soft, your doctor might ask you to place your mattress on a hard surface.
Lying on a hard surface is not practical for all types of back pain. Relief from the back by sleeping on a hard floor depends upon the cause of your back pain and your sleeping posture. According to research, medium-firm mattresses are effective for alleviating back pain during sleeping.
Sciatica
The sciatic nerve is a nerve that passes from the lower back to the hips and then both legs. A herniated disc can lead to sciatic pain. There is no scientific proof, but many people say that sleeping on the floor and a firm mattress can help to improve sciatic pain.
If you have sciatica and lie on a soft mattress, it can make your sciatic pain more severe. While lying on a soft mattress, your joints are stressed, and your is in a round position. It is best to ask your doctor about lying on a floor or hard mattress if you have sciatica to avoid any problem.
Improved Posture
If you have any back problems or your posture is terrible, lying on a floor can help you to improve your posture. When you lie on a soft mattress, your spine is curved, making your posture wrong.
But if you have severe back problems, then consult your doctor first before sleeping on the floor
What Are The Disadvantages?
Here are some of the disadvantages that you should consider if you want to sleep on the floor.
Increase In Back Pain
Some people say that sleeping on the floor can help you improve your back pain, while others say that sleeping on the floor can increase your back pain. The reason is that lying on the floor will make it difficult for your spine to maintain its natural curve.
According to research, there were two groups of people. One group was asked to sleep on a hard mattress, and the other group was asked to sleep on a medium-firm mattress. Those who slept on medium-firm mattresses said that their back pain was reduced.
This study is very old, but we can say that sleeping on the floor for relieving back pain is not good.
Allergic Reactions
Dust particles on the floor are more than on any other place of the house. If you are allergic to dust, sleeping on the floor can lead to coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose, red eyes, and difficulty in breathing.
If there is a matt on your floor, the mat collects the allergens like molds, dust particles, and dust. So sleeping on a floor is not a good option for those who are allergic to different allergens.
More Exposure To Cold
The floor is colder than any other place in the room. If you are going to sleep on the floor in the winter season, there are high chances that you might catch a cold. The cold floor in the winter will decrease your body temperature, and you will feel cold.
While in summer there is nothing to be worried about sleeping on the floor. Instead, it feels incredible sleeping on the floor in summer.
Risk Of Bugs
When you are sleeping on the floor, the bugs, ants, and spiders have easy access. To avoid these, you can keep your blanket and pillow away from the ground during the daytime.
Who Should Avoid Sleeping On The Floor?
These are the people who should not sleep on the floor as it is unsafe for them.
- Aged people should not sleep on the floor as their bones are already weak. And sleeping on the floor can increase the chances of fractures in them.
- People who have joint problems and cannot sit or get up quickly from the floor feel very difficulty sleeping.
The Proper Way
Here is the proper way to sleep on the floor.
- Find a space that is not crowded.
- Now clean the space properly as you are going to sleep there.
- Place a matt on the floor. You can also place a sleeping bag or blanket on the floor. You can add layers of mats to add cushioning.
- Now place a pillow that you usually use.
- Then lie down on the floor and adjust your position in which you feel more comfortable.
- You can also use an extra pillow to place under your lower back or between your legs to adjust your positions.
- You can make your habit of lying down by starting from a short period.
Wrapping It Up
If you intend to sleep on the floor due to back pain or any joint problem, it is sometimes unsuitable. It is a must to consult your doctor first to avoid any serious trouble.
