Advantages and disadvantages of sleeping on the floor
Dr. Jagadish Hiremath, Medical Director at Aasra Super Speciality Hospital (India), said that sleeping on a hard surface can affect the connectivity of the spine and the way the pressure is distributed, causing the lumbar spine to lack support.
Dr. Chandril Chugh, a neurologist at Good Deed Clinic (India), believes that sleeping on the floor can improve back pain for some people, especially those who use mattresses that are too soft.
A hard surface helps the spine become more straight, reducing back lumps. However, the disadvantage is that hard floors can cause pain, especially in pressure points such as the hips and knees.
Impact on sleep quality
Sleep quality can be affected by comfort and reduced pressure. Sleeping on a hard floor can create more local pressure points than on a mattress.
Study shows that pressure points on hard surfaces can cause posture changes, disrupting sleep cycles, especially REM sleep. This can lead to sluggish sleep and reduce overall sleep quality, says Dr. Hiremath.
A study by the National Sleep Foundation 2011 shows that mattresses help distribute body weight, reduce pressure points, and allow for longer sleep without interruption. Sleeping on the floor can shorten sleep duration and affect physical recovery and cognitive function the next day.
Cases where you should and should not sleep on the floor
Dr. Hiremath says people with chronic back pain may find that sleeping on hard surfaces helps the spine become straighter, especially if they have used a mattress that is too soft before.
A hard surface can help people with back pain due to discs improve spinal posture. However, sleeping on the floor can increase joint discomfort, especially in the hips and shoulders, for people with arthritis or muscle and joint problems.
Therefore, the elderly or people with osteoporosis may experience bone pressure and stiffness when sleeping on the floor.
Recommendation
Dr. Hiremath recommends that if you want to try sleeping on the floor, start by using a thin mat or blanket to reduce pressure under the hips, shoulders and lower back.
Kneel should be used to support the head and maintain the neckline. The body needs time to adjust, so starting with a floor napping can be a helpful way. In addition, stretching exercises before and after bed can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Finally, people with spinal or joint problems should consult a doctor before trying to sleep on the floor.
