Do you want to know if it is good to sleep without a mattress? Intrigued by the idea of sleeping without a mattress? This practice, still little known in the West, is slowly making its way into our bedrooms.
Indeed, for many other civilizations, such as Japan, a good night’s sleep can be summed up in a futon on the floor.
Some even believe it to be beneficial. Why sleep on the floor when you can enjoy the comfort of a conventional bed?
This article sheds light on the advantages and disadvantages of this practice.
Also read The Tatami, a futon bed base, but not only.
Let’s go.
Is sleeping on the floor actually good for you?
Sleeping on the floor on a mattress: a popular practice in Japan
For centuries, the Japanese have been accustomed to sleeping without a mattress. But this doesn’t mean they sleep on the floor, lying on the tiles. Instead, they place a thin mattress on the floor, between 5 and 15 cm thick: this is the futon.
A few years ago, the Japanese futon arrived on the bedding market as a minimalist alternative to the traditional mattress and box spring duo we know in the USA.
The advantage of the Japanese futon lies in the body posture it induces. When you sleep on a futon, your spine stays straight, which may help reduce back pain.
What’s The Quality Of Sleep When You Sleep On The Floor?
Feedback from sleepers who have tried sleeping without a mattress is largely positive. Most describe a better quality of sleep and the feeling of waking up refreshed.
In any case, these testimonials reflect a subjective opinion. However, why not try sleeping without a mattress to get out of your comfort zone and verify the veracity of these statements?
What Type Of Bedding For Sleeping On The Floor?
Sleeping on the ground without a mattress doesn’t mean you have to go without a bed. What equipment should you choose to sleep on the floor without the risk of waking up in pain?
The pillow: to keep your neck aligned with your spine. Thin pillows are firm enough to provide effective support for your head and neck.
Futon: this should be at least 5 centimeters thick to isolate the sleeper from the floor and limit contact with hard ground.
Tatami: can be installed as a bed base for the night. It provides good ventilation for the futon and insulates against the cold of the floor.
Remember to adapt your bed linen to the size of your new floor mattress.
The Pros And Benefits Of Sleeping On The Floor
Can be good for your back
Using a futon mattress to sleep on the floor is good for your back if you don’t suffer from chronic pain. Its firmness promotes good back posture and spinal alignment.
Suitable for all body shapes
Whatever your height and weight, you can use a floor mattress and sleep well. Firmer and less deformable, a floor mattress adapts to all body shapes, distributing pressure points evenly. It provides good back support for the sleeper.
Saves space and money
Do you also want to optimize your bedroom space and save money? Sleeping on the floor is THE solution! Gone are the usual bedding items: box springs, footboards, headboards, and thick mattresses.
What’s more, the mattress on the floor can be used as an extra bed if you’re hosting guests.
Give your bedroom a sleek look
Sleeping on the floor means choosing a minimalist style for your bedding. This gives you a clean, sober bedroom decorating option. White and color can be harmoniously combined for a room with a peaceful ambiance.
Improve your posture
The cons of floor mattresses
Allergy-prone
The futon-type mattress on the floor is thinner than a conventional mattress (5 to 15 cm). The sleeper is directly exposed to dust. The risk of dust mite allergy is greater.
Exposure to the cold of the floor
Sleeping on the floor exposes you to the cold of the ground. While pleasant in summer, this can affect sleep quality in winter.
Can affect sleep quality
Sleeping directly on the floor doesn’t guarantee you the same restful sleep as with conventional bedding. Floor mattresses are firmer and don’t match every sleeper’s sleep preferences.
Make sure you get all the information you need before opting for this sleeping practice.
Who Should Avoid Sleeping On The Floor?
Chronic back pain sufferers
For people suffering from sciatica, lumbago, scoliosis, or chronic back pain, specialist advice is required before investing in a floor mattress.
Elderly people and those with reduced mobility
This type of sleeping surface should be avoided by the elderly or those with mobility problems. If you suffer from joint pain, it’s best to choose a box spring and mattress adapted for back pain.
Allergy sufferers
It’s also worth noting that if you suffer from allergies to dust or dust mites, sleeping so close to the floor could adversely affect the quality of your sleep. And clearly, it’s not ideal.
How to sleep well on the floor
Changing your sleeping habits doesn’t just happen! Here are a few tips for a smooth transition, so that your adventure doesn’t turn into a nightmare!
Choosing The Right Floor Mattress
As with all bedding accessories, there are different ranges of futon mattresses. Remember that this is an investment for the future, and choose a quality floor mattress. This will help you in your transition, and you’ll also gain in sleeping comfort.
Wash your floor regularly
By sleeping on the floor, you’ll be more exposed to dust and dust mites, just like your mattress. Remember to wash your floor and bed linen more frequently.
Start with a nap
Don’t jump into the deep end just yet! You can test your mattress by starting to sleep on it during your naps until you feel comfortable enough to spend a whole night on it.
Select the right pillow
Depending on your sleeping posture, you may have different needs.
If you sleep on the floor, the pillow will help you sleep well.
Use a thin pillow if you sleep on your back.
If you prefer to sleep on your side, a thick pillow will be more comfortable for you.
Decided to sleep on the floor? Make the right choice of mattress!
Conclusion
Now you know if it is good to sleep without a mattress. Have in mind that if you suffer from chronic back pain, joint problems or allergies, sleeping on the floor is not recommended.
Sleeping on the floor can promote or even increase allergies (dust mites, dust).
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