If you grew up in a western country, you are probably used to sleeping curled up in a soft bed. But when you enter a Japanese room, you are unlikely to find a bed. There are many reasons why the Japanese prefer to place their zs on the ground, and it is not just a tradition or for reasons of space-saving in small apartments.
It turns out that sleeping on the floor has impressive health benefits. We admire Japan for many reasons, and the fact that it has become the oldest country in the world has made us wonder about the reasons behind its centuries-old tradition of sleeping on the floor.
It May Relieve Back Pain
Sleeping on a flat, hard surface is good for your back and can relieve you of the pain that has been with you for years. While sleeping on a soft bed is certainly comfortable, your mattress can start to sag over time, causing your spine to curve and cause back pain.
In fact, medical experts even recommend putting plywood under the mattress if it is too soft. Sleeping on the floor will also keep your spine aligned and prevent your body from twisting into an unnatural position.
It Can Improve Your Posture
If you sleep in the correct position and your spine is supported properly, it will be much easier to keep your back straight during the day.
Moving to the floor can help you correct poor posture because when your back doesn’t hurt, you don’t feel the need to bend over.
It May Improve Blood Circulation
When you sleep on the floor, your blood flow increases because your weight is evenly distributed and there is less pressure on different parts of your body. Sleeping in a natural position also prevents numbness and tingling caused by poor circulation.
For example, if you sleep curled up on your side, the blood circulates and then returns to your heart, causing various health problems, such as blood clots and varicose veins.
It Can Help You Get Up On Time
If you find it difficult to leave the comfort of your pillows and get out of bed in the morning, you are not alone. Many people struggle when the alarm goes off and are tempted to hit the snooze button.
When you sleep on the floor, you have the right quality of sleep and you are not so comfortable that you want to lie down all day.
It’s Affordable
The transition to a floor bed will also make your wallet happy. The average person spends around $ 1,000 on a mattress, and choosing the wrong one and replacing it can cost some time and energy.
Sleeping on the floor will save you thousands of dollars since you don’t have to buy a bed frame or mattress base.
Who Should Avoid Sleeping On The Floor
The floor is the hardest surface to sleep on and, although not having a mattress has many benefits, it is not recommended for some groups of people.
People who suffer from allergies. As dirt and dust accumulate on the floor, people prone to allergic reactions may experience a cough and runny nose.
People with bone diseases. If you already have severe bone disease, sleeping on the floor may do you more harm than good as it can put more pressure on your joints.
Old people. As mobility decreases with age, older adults may find it difficult to climb on the ground.
Cold sleepers. If you wake up cold at night, it’s best to avoid sleeping on the floor, as this can make you feel even colder.
What do you think of sleeping on the floor? Could you leave the comfort of your bed to receive these health benefits?