There seems to be a lot of consternation regarding the benefits, or lack of, from sleeping on the floor as opposed to on a bed. Is it one of those accepted notions that people talk about without really knowing anything about it? Often comments stick within people’s minds and they get regularly repeated which then in turn makes them become facts. However, that does not mean that it is actually true. I think it needs a little examination to try to weigh up the pros and cons of sleeping on the floor.
Is Sleeping on the Floor Good for You, Yes and No?
So this might seem like a bit of a cop out but it really doesn’t seem to have a definitive answer one way or the other. If you have problems with your joints, sleeping on the floor can actually exacerbate the situation. In addition to this, some people simply do not find it comfortable or they are unaccustomed to sleeping so low to the ground. However, many cultures such as Japan have traditionally slept on the floor since people can remember and staunchly believe it is the best thing to do.
Are Beds Good for You?
It seems sensible then to explore whether or not sleeping on a bed is good for you or not. Many beds are very soft or they do not support your lumbar region adequately and so they can be bad for your spine and your posture. Your spinal column can become misaligned and so it can be argued that some beds are worse than sleeping on the floor. However, if you purchase a good quality bed then they can provide health benefits. Basically, poor quality beds are not good for you.
Personal Preference
If you are not getting a good night’s sleep then this will affect your health considerably. Sleep deprivation and a lack of adequate rest is not going to do you any good. You will lack energy and probably will become stressed out more easily and stress can be very bad for your health indeed. In reality the best thing to do it seems is do what suits you best. The main advice I would give is to say try not to sleep on a very poor-quality bed and beyond that it’s really a matter of personal preference.
A Compromise
A good idea could be to start sleeping on the floor but using one or two thin foam mattresses or futons to make sure that it is still comfortable. Tucking into bed at night should be a pleasant experience and by doing this you are finding a happy medium. You will gain the benefits to your spine that sleeping on a hard surface grant but at the same time you will not be sacrificing your personal comfort. It is advisable that you sleep on your back as this will produce the greatest benefits to you back. If this is something you’ve never tried before, there are numerous suppliers of thin mattress beds out there, so why not give it a try and see if it’s for you or not?