Sleeping on floor: Is it healthy?

[Crono]

Usually I wouldn't come here for medical advice, but I was just thinking about whether sleeping on the floor (carpeted or hardwood) causes any major health problems, and for once, Google has let me down. I actually prefer to sleep on the floor occasionally (with a pillow), and it doesn't usually give me back pain. Sometimes I'm a little sore, but I stretch, and I'm fine, and I'm sore on my regular spring mattress sometimes anyways. So anyone have any personal experience or knowledge about whether it's OK to sleep on the floor? Links appreciated. Thanks!

 

[isekii]

why wouldn't it be okay.

 

[Lorax]

dust and other junk tends to be on the floor... i've always thought it increases your chance for disease.

 

[FP]

The Hunchback of Notre Dame was my favorite Disney movie of all time.

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: isekii
why wouldn't it be okay.

I;ve heard it isn't good for your back. I haven't discussed this with my doctor yet, but it's what I've heard from others.

 

[isekii]

Originally posted by: Crono

Originally posted by: isekii
why wouldn't it be okay.

I;ve heard it isn't good for your back. I haven't discussed this with my doctor yet, but it's what I've heard from others.

So all those people without beds and sleep on the floor in other countries should be suffering from back problems ?

 

[Rip the Jacker]

Why don't you try it.

 

[BobDaMenkey]

Dude, look at Japan. They constantly slept on bedrolls, which may as well be sleeping on the floor. They're doing okay as far as health goes.

 

[her209]

Just be careful your toes don't get gnawed off by the hungry rats...

 

[BlueWeasel]

Actually, the reason I've slept on the floor in the past is for my back. When I've had a few days of lower back pain, sometimes the stiff floor seems to work better than a soft matress.

Yes, I know it's weird.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

My mom was having back problems at one point and was going to need surgery, after sleeping a few months on the floor, the doctor checked it again and it wasn't needed. As long as you put some amount of padding, it's not too bad at all, I did it for years when I was younger.

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
Actually, the reason I've slept on the floor in the past is for my back. When I've had a few days of lower back pain, sometimes the stiff floor seems to work better than a soft matress.

Yes, I know it's weird.

Not wierd at all; that's how I feel. I was thinking about people in other cultures sleep on the floor (particularly the Japanese), but I'm not sure whether they have high prevalance of back problems as compared to the U.S. I'm guessing it's lower, but I don't know for sure. Anyone?

 

[Powermoloch]

I've sleeped on carpeted floor for a few weeks now...I didn't see any obvious changes in my "health" yet

 

[Alienwho]

Yeah it's actually supposed to be good for your back, if anything.

 

[BlueWeasel]

I think the reason the floor works so well for my back is it forces me into sleeping in positions that keep my back straight.

 

[bobdelt]

Yeah, its not uncommon for people to do it. Last time I was in europe there was a bit on tv about some dude in Finland who would sleep on the floor, and sometimes even outside, in winter, just on the ground, no tent or nothing...

Sleeping on the floor though, becareful, dont sleep on your side, you'll wake up at one point with half your body dead asleep and you'll freak out thinking you have no feeling in your body and youre dont for, and you'll be there floppin around like half paralyzed fish.

 

[txrandom]

Originally posted by: BlueWeasel
I think the reason the floor works so well for my back is it forces me into sleeping in positions that keep my back straight.

QTF It's so uncomfortable for me to lay on my back. But I wish I could, since it's so much better for you.

 

[biggestmuff]

I just ate three tacos with some pork rinds. I washed it down with a Dominion Octoberfest! tasty

 

[Ricochet]

The chiropractor I spoke to said that it is better for your back to sleep on the floor than on a soft mattress. But it is far more important to get a good night rest and most people can't do that on the floor. So if you're accustomed to sleeping on the floor, more power to you.

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: bobdelt
Yeah, its not uncommon for people to do it. Last time I was in europe there was a bit on tv about some dude in Finland who would sleep on the floor, and sometimes even outside, in winter, just on the ground, no tent or nothing...

Sleeping on the floor though, becareful, dont sleep on your side, you'll wake up at one point with half your body dead asleep and you'll freak out thinking you have no feeling in your body and youre dont for, and you'll be there floppin around like half paralyzed fish.

Ha ha ha ha...oh...sorry. Just had a mental image - couldn't help myself I usually sleep on my stomach on my bed, which is a habit I'm trying to change, but I usually sleep on my back when sleeping on the floor. Uh, were you serious about that last part?

 

[GeekDrew]

I occasionally sleep on the floor. When I throw my back out, it feels much better to do that than to sleep in bed.

 

[bigredguy]

As far as I know, there isn't anything bad about sleeping on the floor. I would recommend come level of padding. You can also try just placing your mattress on the floor, no boxspring or frame, see if that helps.

 

[Rock Hydra]

When I sleep and my back hurts it tends to be between the shoulder blades/middle back.

 

[Crono]

Originally posted by: ricochet
The chiropractor I spoke to said that it is better for your back to sleep on the floor than on a soft mattress. But it is far more important to get a good night rest and most people can't do that on the floor. So if you're accustomed to sleeping on the floor, more power to you.

That's generally what I've heard from most people. I'll still check with a chiropractor myself, just to make sure, but at least I have some idea. Thanks, everyone.

 

[redgtxdi]

Originally posted by: bobdelt


Sleeping on the floor though, becareful, dont sleep on your side,

That's the problem I have w/ sleeping on the floor.


As a kid.......no biggie. You're built like a 2 x 4.


Once I grew up & developed shoulders.....no way. Sleeping on my side is nearly impossible. I feel like I need a double-height pillow to keep my head in the same position as when I'm laying on my back or stomach........plus whatever shoulder I'm laying on would kill like a son of a b#tch.

Gimme a mattress.........FTW!!!!!!!!!