Years ago I had a sleep-over party for my step-daughter and the 11-year-olds all slept in their sleeping bags, on top of blankets on the carpeted floor and I remember thinking mattresses would be much better, but now I am not so sure!
John Durant is author of The Paleo Manifesto and founder of Wild Ventures. He has been featured in the New York Times and he said that while there are cons regarding the choice to sleep on the floor, the cons are not about not having a quality sleep! The Pros include a much better sleep and no more aches and pains. After experimenting John reported: no back pain, no stiffness, little tossing and turning, deeper sleeper and ground sensation. He also said that the person sleeping next to you appeared to be a whole lot softer compared to the floor!
After searching the internet, many patients, who had gone to the doctor regarding back pain, wrote about their doctor telling them to sleep on the floor as a solution.
However, sleeping on the floor doesn’t mean, the surface must have nothing else; a yoga mat is a good option because it cushions your back, but you still get the support from the ground below. Sleeping on your back is best, because this position provides the best back support.
Mentally preparing yourself is a big part too. The first few nights are going to be a bit rough because it is very different from what you have been used to. Starting off with a few pillows is a good option. However, only one for your head, as the aim is not to cushion it, but support it. Some of the cons of sleeping on the floor are: dust, getting to sleep and critters!
Jimbo says
Sleeping on the floor! Maybe it’s good to be “grounded” , maybe it helps you getting in touch with our primal roots or something, but I wouldn’t have thought that would be the best option for back pain. But when you’re desperate, you’re desperate.