Sleeping on the floor is usually a debated topic, with some saying it’s better for you and others claiming it’s not.
Whether you’re planning on camping outside in a sleeping bag, ditching your bed frame, or maybe even your mattress altogether, sleeping on the floor does present a bunch of benefits that might make it worthwhile. However, it might not be suited to everyone.
We’ve created this insightful blog to help you decide whether sleeping on the floor is a good idea for you. Keep reading to learn the benefits and drawbacks of floor sleeping to inform your choice.
Potential Benefits of Sleeping on the Floor
Although there isn’t an official study that suggests sleeping on the floor is better than sleeping on a mattress, there are some potential benefits that many people advocate are offered by this sleeping method. Let’s check them out:
- Might Encourage Proper Spinal Alignment: If you sleep flat on your back on the floor, you might help keep your spine straight. This could even lead to reduced spinal pain and aches in the long run.
- Potentially Supports Better Posture: By promoting proper spinal alignment, you might experience improved posture, especially since your back won’t sink into a soft mattress.
- Could Keep You Cooler: Heat rises up, meaning the floor is the coolest surface in a room. By sleeping on the floor, you might experience less body heat and discomfort from getting too hot while you sleep, which, in turn, could foster a better night’s sleep.
Who Shouldn’t Sleep on the Floor
While sleeping on the floor is deemed safe for most healthy individuals, it might be too risky for others.
You should avoid sleeping on the floor if you suffer from allergies, such as asthma or rashes. This is because irritants and allergens (like dust, dust mites, floor cleaners, etc.) commonly collect on the floor.
If you’re pregnant, you should also avoid sleeping on the floor as the pressure of the hard surface might be too much on your baby bump and the rest of your body.
Finally, if you suffer from any musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, you should avoid sleeping on the floor. This is because your body won’t be properly supported, which might even worsen your symptoms and cause extreme discomfort.
How To Get a Good Night’s Sleep on the Floor in 5 Steps
If you want to try out floor sleeping, here are five easy steps that will help you get a good night’s sleep on the floor:
1. Choose a Clean and Peaceful Space
Find a cosy and peaceful place in your home or outdoors if you’re going camping to ensure you can enjoy some undisturbed, tranquil snooze time. You should also ensure you set up your sleeping spot in a clean area that’s free from dust and dirt (if you’re camping, ensure your tent is properly cleaned beforehand).
2. Create a Cosy Set-Up Tailored To Your Preferred Sleep Position
Your floor sleeping set-up should be tailored to your go-to sleeping position to ensure you’re comfortable the second you rest your head and hit the hay.
If you’re a side sleeper, ensure you have enough cushioning to support pressure points in your hips, neck, head, shoulders, arms, and knees. If you’re a back sleeper, be sure to add some padding beneath your hips, neck, head, and shoulders. And, if you’re a stomach sleeper, make sure you have some support beneath your stomach, chest, head, and hips.
Aside from strategically adding padding, you should also deck your sleeping spot out with lots of cosy bedding, like pillows, throw blankets, and a duvet — especially if it’s a colder season!
3. Support Your Head and Neck
Sleeping on the floor can be too strenuous on your head, neck, and shoulders because you’ll be lying on a solid surface. This could lead to stiff muscles, aches, and pains, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough padding and support to protect your head and neck area.
As the rest of your body will be completely flat against the ground, you don’t want to choose a pillow that’s too thick, as this will elevate your head and neck too high and lead to discomfort, aches, and pains. Instead, choose a thin pillow that cushions the surface beneath your head and neck.
4. Test Out Your Set Up With a Nap
Finding the perfect position and comfort when sleeping on the floor might take some trial and error. Test out your set-up with a brief nap to see if anything needs changing before you commit to a full night’s sleep.
5. Trial Your New Floor Sleeping Set-Up for a Few Weeks
Once you’ve tested out your floor sleeping set-up with a nap or two, trial it for a few weeks to see if it’s really a good arrangement for you, after a few weeks, you’ll be fully adjusted to your new set-up and sleep cycle, and able to properly determine whether it is benefitting you in any way.
Improve Your Sleep Quality With Best Pillows Australia
If you’re after new bedding and pillows for your floor sleeping set-up, or perhaps a brand new mattress, Best Pillows Australia is the best place to look!
We prioritise promoting sleep quality for less, which is why our experts have honestly reviewed the best and most affordable mattress designs, bedding, and pillows.
We’ve reviewed every type of mattress, including super firm mattresses, medium-firm mattresses, ergonomic memory foam mattress designs, innovative hybrid mattress types, and loads more!
You’ll also find loads of transparent reviews about different bedding types and pillows, such as feather-down and microfiber designs.
And that’s not all! We even have an insightful blog that shares helpful tips, facts, and guides, all designed to help you get a better night’s sleep.
Explore our entire site today for all your sleeping needs!
FAQs:
Explore these FAQs to learn more about sleeping on the floor:
Is Sleeping on the Floor Good for Pain Reduction?
While there is no scientific evidence to suggest floor sleeping is better for pain reduction than a mattress, it has shown some benefits for people who have tried it.
Many people find that sleeping on an overly soft mattress leads to aches and pains because of a lack of support. Floor sleeping is said to provide a solid and even surface that can potentially support proper spinal alignment, leading to reduced pain when you wake up.
The best sleeping position for sleeping on the floor is flat on your back, especially if you’re targeting spinal pain and improper alignment.
If you’re trying to get a better night’s sleep, be it on the floor or perhaps on a new, firmer mattress, Best Pillows Australia is the perfect place to browse! Discover honest reviews and helpful sleeping tips on our website today.
Is It Safe To Sleep on the Floor?
As long as you’re a healthy individual with no musculoskeletal problems or allergies, it’s perfectly safe to sleep on the floor.
If you do try floor sleeping, ensure you choose a clean and peaceful spot, and be sure to set up enough bedding to keep you cosy, such as a duvet and pillows. It may also be worth getting a supportive base or even placing pillows beneath your hips, knees, and head to alleviate any pressure points and ensure proper support.
Find all the things you need to enjoy a comfy snooze at Best Pillows Australia.
Do I Need a Pillow To Sleep on the Floor?
It’s recommended to support your neck and head with a thin pillow when snoozing on the floor. This is because the hard floor beneath you might cause too much pressure on your head, neck, and even shoulders, leading to pain and aches in the morning.
If you’re after the perfect plush pillow that matches your needs, preferences, and budget, head over to our Pillow Reviews page at Best Pillows Australia to find your match!
