Soft beds are passé: sleep on floor for good health!

We spend around one third of our life sleeping and if we are not spending it in the correct posture then it is highly likely that you we going to get backache. People usually think that having a comfortable and soft mattress is the best way to support the spine but is it really the case?

Japanese households prefer sleeping on the floor and it is also common in popular culture too. The Count of Monte Cristo is one notable personality who despite his wealth slept on the floor as it had become his habit during his imprisonment years.

The question remains is:Is sleeping on the floor good for your back?

Is Sleeping on the Floor Good for Your Back?

The answer to the question “is sleeping on the floor good for your spine or back?” is yes. Sleeping on the ground can prove to be very beneficial for your back as it provides support to your spine  and help you in keeping your back straight while lying down,which the soft mattress fail to provide.

People who have tried it have found it extremely beneficial for their backs and have woken up feeling much better than before. Lying flat on your back with something marginally softer than the floor under you without a pillow is the ideal way to sleep. You spine will remain in the most neutral position if you sleep like this.

Tips for Better Sleep on the Floor:

• If you want to remain comfortable on the floor then lying on a yoga mat is a good option.
• When sleeping on the floor, it is best that you sleep on your back to get the best results. The reason for this is that this position provides your spine the support that it requires. You won’t find this benefit by sleeping on your stomach or your side.
• Tightening of the hamstrings and the hip flexors is an outcome of sleeping on your side for a period of six to eight hours which can cause back pain. Moreover, sleeping in such a position would also tighten your pectoral muscles too, causing upper-back pain.

Be Prepared for the Discomfort for the First Few Nights

Sleeping on the floor is not going to be very comfortable in the early goings and you might want to sleep with many pillows. However, try to use a single pillow only when sleeping as the important thing is not to cushion the back but to support it.

Some people think it is bad to sleep on the floor but that is totally incorrect. Although people who are overweight or are not accustomed to sleeping anywhere than on soft mattresses would feel a little sore in the mornings, but this is natural and is the same as the soreness you feel in the morning after an overnight exercise session.

Who Should Not Sleep on the Floor?

Sleeping on the floor is perfectly safe for healthy individuals. However, if you are suffering from a health condition, which requires you to sleep in a special bed or if you reside in a basement that has concrete floors then it becomes impractical for you to sleep on the floor.

It is best to give this method a try for a few nights at least to check whether it is good for your back or not. After all, your back pain is the only thing you stand to lose by sleeping this way.