Sleeping takes up a good portion of our lives, and we often dedicate a lot of thought and effort into making sure we get the best shuteye possible. If you’ve ever had to sleep on the floor for any reason, you might be wondering whether sleeping on the floor is bad for you.
Sleeping on the floor can increase your risk of exposure to dirt and bacteria, increasing your risk of allergic reactions. Sleeping on the floor is also uncomfortable, cold, and allows bugs easier access to them.
Sleeping on the floor is a lifestyle choice that has become increasingly popular as of late, but if nothing else, it’s certainly true that sleeping on the floor isn’t for everyone. The rest of this article will discuss how sleeping on the floor could be bad for you.
Why Do People Sleep on the Floor?
People often choose to sleep on the floor for the purported health benefits. For example, proponents of the idea suggest that it can sooth back pain, improve posture, and better blood circulation. You should not, however, sleep on the floor if you’re a side sleeper since you’ll need additional support for your shoulders and hips.
It is true that floor sleeping can improve posture and the even distribution of weight on the floor creates less pressure on the spine, hips, and shoulders.
Why Might Sleeping on the Floor Be Bad for You?
Sleeping on the floor might be more natural for your body, but it does come with some increased risks and detriments, like decreased comfort, as well as exposure to allergens and bugs,
Comfort
Sleeping on the floor has its downsides, the first of which is that sleeping on the floor is less comfortable.
Of course, when sleeping on the floor, some people choose to use a mat like a tatami, sleeping bag, or other fabrics for better cushioning, which can help ease some of the discomfort.
These surfaces, however, are more subject to developing mold and mildew since they aren’t able to aerate as easily as a mattress that is supported by a box spring and bedframe.
Allergies
The floor is rife with dust, dirt, and bacteria—all allergens that can set you off, especially if you have preexisting conditions that increase your risk of having a severe reaction to allergens. If you have respiratory issues of any kind, sleeping on the floor isn’t for you.
Creepy Crawlies
This is a risk that most floor sleepers are well aware of, but a whole slue of bugs—spiders, beetles, roaches, bed bugs, ants—can take refuge in your mattress, which is a truly nightmarish thought for many people.
Of course, regular cleaning and raising your mattress off the ground with a little cardboard or plywood structure beneath can help you avoid the bugs. If you want to sleep on the floor, be sure to use a mattress protector to keep your mattress clean from dust and dirt.
