Sleeping on the floor sounds like a caveman, doesn’t it? Even The Flintstones had beds. Rock beds, but beds anyway. A new practice seems to indicate that sleeping on the floor has several health benefits. Trends such as “earthing” and “grounding” are becoming increasingly popular. People want to connect with the power of the planet by walking barefoot and lying on the ground. Some claim that lying down can cure several ailments and even sleep disorders. Do you feel a bit like Fred or Wilma Flintstone? Let’s take a look at all of this sleeping stuff on the floor and see if it suits you.
Why People Want to Lie Down
Sending your expensive and comfortable mattresses to prevent a day of garbage may not be something you want to do voluntarily. You have invested time, energy, and money in finding your perfect mattress, linens, and pillows. Why on earth would you want to lie down? Many people claim that sleeping on the floor is a cure for many ailments and certain sleep disorders. Some fans who sleep on the floor are convinced that breaking the mattress is best if you experience back pain.
Some Paleo diet fans also promote the benefits of sleeping on the floor. Paleo goes back to eating what people ate thousands of years ago. There was no refined food, refined sugar, or dairy products. People ate whole foods that were available and could not be prepared. These people say that changing our sleep habits the way we slept thousands of years ago can also have benefits for our health and well-being in general.
What Experts Say About Sleeping
There is a mixed bag of worries and recommendations from experts when it comes to lying down. We can find many who say it is good for you as some say it is not a wise decision.
The most common reason is that they recommend sleeping in a difficult place to relieve back pain. Lying down can keep the spinal neutrality cool. Usually, our mattresses are soft and carry the curves of our bodies. This may seem like a lot of comfort to your back, but not if you have back pain.
Many experts say that lying on the floor can relieve your back pain and can cause some pain in your joints and cause muscle spasms. The study was conducted in a non-western culture that does not sleep on mattresses and the conclusion of the study seems to indicate that they are more prone to suffering from muscle problems. It’s controversial, isn’t it? Let’s look at the benefits and risks of sleeping on the floor.
Benefits of Sleeping on the Floor
Fans lying on the floor are looking for the health and sleep benefits associated with throwing away your mattress and hitting the floor at night.
Some of these include:
- Provide a neutral back position.
- Relief from back and neck pain.
- Better posture.
- Enhanced streaming.
- Help with scoliosis.
- Lots of power.
- Deep sleep.
- Making the world.
- Provide extra space in the bedroom.
- You can sleep anywhere.
- No snooze in the morning.
Does lying on the floor help the back?
There is no scientific evidence that lying down helps relieve back pain. However, many people say that it offers relief. There is some merit in this view. Soft mattresses do not have much support. It allows your body to sink to the bottom, causing your spine to bend. This can lead to back pain.
If your mattress is very soft, Harvard Medical School recommends placing a plank under your mattress. The center also suggests putting your mattress down. But scientists have not yet recommended the complete abandonment of the mattress.
Does it cure sciatica?
Sciatica is a pain that affects your sciatic nerve, running from the back to the back of the waist, hips, and leg. It is usually caused by a bulging or a herniated disc. Like back pain, sciatica can be developed by sleeping on tight mattresses. A soft face can be difficult for sciatica because it rotates around your back and compresses your joints. However, there is no hard evidence that lying on the floor treats sciatica. The reported benefits are anecdotal. If you have sciatica, talk to your doctor or therapist before trying to lie down.
Does it help your posture?
Another advantage of anecdotal is the improved posture. Also, there is some merit to the claim. Soft areas allow for your spinal curve, while stiff areas provide support. People say that standing on the floor helps keep their spine straight. But without scientific evidence, it is best to be cautious if you have spinal problems. If you have a serious condition or spinal disorder such as scoliosis or kyphosis, ask your doctor if sleeping on the floor is safe for you.
Dangers of Sleeping on the Floor
While sleeping on the floor can be a good thing for some, it can cause health problems for some. Sleeping is not recommended if you have any of the following problems or concerns:
- Have joint pain.
- Overweight.
- Have sleep apnea.
FAQ
Is sleeping on the floor healthy?
Sleeping on the floor may increase the risk of fractures or feeling too cold. People who are prone to feeling cold. Conditions like anemia, type 2 diabetes, and hypothyroidism can make you feel cold. Floor-sleeping can make you even colder, so it's best to avoid it.
Does sleeping on the floor make you stronger?
“By sleeping without a mattress, you'll strengthen tiny muscles that build over time. You're putting pressure on your body parts. It's like a massage all night.” Bowman calls this “dynamic rest” that, coupled with daily foam rolling, will lead to a “more robust muscle structures for athletic adventures.”
What is the healthiest sleeping position?
You will be most comfortable sleeping on your side. Favor your left side to maximize circulation for both you and your baby. Placing a body pillow or pillow under your belly can help relieve back pain. Place another pillow between your legs and bend your knees to be even more comfortable.
Which is better sleeping on bed or floor?
Many people say that sleeping on the floor helps them get a better night's sleep, improves their posture, and reduces their back pain. However, there is little evidence to suggest that sleeping on the floor is any better than opting for a medium firm mattress.