Written by Jill Zwarensteyn, Editor
As you settle onto your cozy, comfortable bed tonight and prepare for a good night’s rest, think about how awful sleeping while riding on a horse would be. Years ago, though, some ancient tribes used to do just that.
Thanks to some technological advancements, we’ve vastly improved the way that we sleep, and the more that we research and discover, the better our sleep can get!
Nowadays, people sleep differently across the globe. In eastern parts of the world, some people place the mattress directly on the floor, while others sleep on a mat, bedroll, or nothing at all.
In this article, we’ll weigh the benefits and disadvantages of having your mattress on the floor.
Pros of Having Your Mattress on The Floor
- The main pros for ditching your raised bed and sleeping on the ground are improved overall blood circulation and less neck and back pain. These are similar benefits reported by people who don’t sleep with a pillow. People who sleep on a mattress directly on the floor also have a significantly lower risk of scoliosis, a medical condition where the spine has an unnatural curve. Some people who started sleeping on the ground also reported joint pain relief. Keep in mind, there is not a large amount of research done on the benefits of floor sleeping, so be sure to talk about this with your doctor, especially if you have significant pain.
Related: Explore mattresses for scoliosis and the best beds for back pain.
- Some researchers believe that sleeping on the floor allows your spine to be in the most neutral position because, without any additional cushioning, the body can adapt and distribute pressure all around the mattress surface area. This can help minimize back and neck pain.
Related: Explore our top picks for the best mattress for neck pain.
- Being near the floor gives you access to cooler air that can feel good and do wonders for your sleep. An increase in body temperature accounts for a lot of restless sleeping and waking in the middle of the night. Cooler air will prevent you from sweating during the night, and it will also benefit your respiratory system and improve your overall blood flow.
Related: Explore our top picks for the best cooling mattresses for hot sleepers.
Cons of Having Your Mattress on The Floor
- The most apparent disadvantage of sleeping on the ground would be exposure to dust that accumulates on the ground. Regular cleaning is a must to prevent respiratory problems and allergic reactions. Inhaling dust and other dirt particles can leave a permanent mark on your health. This can be avoided by raising your mattress a little above the floor surface, although we still suggest that you clean your floor as frequently as you can.
- When there is no adequate airflow, given that the mattress is placed directly on the floor, excessive heat and sweat can cause the mattress to trap all that heat and liquid and form a layer of mold inside of it. Mold can cause serious allergic reactions—not to mention the bad odor that will render your mattress useless and ready to be thrown away. Explore our picks for the best mattresses for allergies.
- Another gross issue can be bed bugs settling in and making your mattress their new home. This problem can even get worse since they can multiply and spread inside the mattress very fast. Raising the bed slightly above the floor can prevent this as long as none of the bedding hangs or touches the floor. You could also use mattress encasements or a mattress protector to protect your bed if you are not home for an extended period of time.
- While it can be pleasant to sleep on the floor in warmer climates, doing the same when it is cold or near freezing outside can pose a serious health risk. Breathing in extremely cold air may cause harm to your lungs, and it could constrict your blood flow, possibly causing hypothermia. However, a good heating system can combat these things.
- People who only sleep on their side will not be able to adapt to this way of sleeping. The increased pressure from the floor will cause severe discomfort in the hips and shoulders and make a good night’s rest impossible. Sleeping on the mattress on the floor works best for people who sleep on their back and stomach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mattress type matter for a mattress on the floor?
When it comes to choosing a foundation for your bed—or forgoing one—the materials matter. While some beds will have no trouble supporting you on a slatted base, others like memory foam and some innerspring models will require a solid foundation to last.
When you decide to put your bed on the ground, keep in mind this could mean poor air circulation through the materials, reduced cooling, and less pressure relief, so it may not be the right choice for every type of sleeper.
Will having my bed on the floor void its warranty?
In some cases, floor sleeping will void your warranty. Many companies outline what kind of base is required in order to maintain it; just be sure to read over the guidelines before tossing your bed frame to the curb.
Conclusion
To conclude our comparison we will point out that, as with all new experiences, having your bed on the ground will take some time to get used to. You may find it uncomfortable at first, but with reports of improved health and quality of sleep, this could be a positive adjustment for you. The upside is you can always go back if you change your mind, which means there is no harm in trying this “new way to sleep.” We recommend you try it out and see if it will benefit you.
Jill Zwarensteyn
Editor
About Author
Jill Zwarensteyn is the Editor for Sleep Advisor and a Certified Sleep Science Coach. She is enthusiastic about providing helpful and engaging information on all things sleep and wellness.
Combination Sleeper