minimalist/floor sleeping

[pony mom]

why are you wanting to sleep on the floor? is it a need or a want, guess I missed this.

My memory foam matress, which isn't very old and wasn't very expensive, is sagging in the center. My nights are spent stuck in a pit, with my butt sinking and my shoulders pushed forward. During the day, my posture is horrible and I can't straighten myself out.

So, while reading minimalist sites, one thing led to another and I stumbled across floor sleeping, aka paleo sleeping. Minimal padding, on a floor or hard surface. Supposedly grounds you as well and does wonders for your back and posture. So I thought, why not? My first night or two weren't very comfortable but I felt great when I woke up. My main problem is the cold right now. Sleeping on a heated blanket/mat would be nice, but then I'm being exposed to all of that. Now the firm surface doesn't bother me at all. And I'm not slumped over in the car anymore (have had to adjust my rear view mirror too!)

Here's a link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMNgSDEwp24

[Tammy]

I've thought about it often but never tried it - except when camping. I love the idea for reasons of health and simplicity. It won't happen as long as I live with my husband - he is totally not into it and I'm too driven by immediate comfort to sleep on the floor when there's a bed right beside me - 😄

[ToomuchStuff]

Not sure what you mean by being exposed to all that. My understanding, in older, traditional Japanese homes, they sleep on a "mattress" that is at the thickest 3". I would think Cotton or some natural fiber might be warm enough, yet thin enough to allow the floor to do its job.

[Gardenarian]

I sleep on a 4" futon. I have a bedframe with a piece of wood over the slats for support. Our floors get very dirty from the dogs.

Here is the futon I have: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Serta-Lib...tress/17236845

I have the soundest sleep I've had in my life, and my back (ruptured discs, stenosis, arthritis) feels much better too.

This feels more like a mat than a mattress as we know it. It is also biodegradable and easy to move.

[ctg492]

After thinking about this, My Aunt(now passed) slept on a bed roll her entire life. I remember going over in the morning and she would be rolling it up and setting behind the chair. Uncle slept in the bed upstairs.

[pony mom]

I meant being exposed to electrical currents (when I said "all that"). Don't know how safe they are when they are right next to your body, like electric blankets. My massage table at the spa had one and that was probably the clients' favorite thing! Korean floors are usually heated, which must be lovely for everything including sleeping.

Carpeting on a floor without concrete as a base might be perfect for me with just a thin mat, but that's not what I have here. I love rolling it up and not seeing it in the room during the day (my regular bed is still here). My bedroom could have a whole new look without it.

Gardenarian, that mat looks interesting. I'll see how simple I can keep it while I'm still trying it out before buying something. Putting that on my bed instead of the regular mattress would work too, but then the bed is still here. But the bugs can't reach me!

[19Sandy]

I need a new mattress but not in the budget.

For me getting up from the floor would be a challenge now that I am older and out of shape.

I am a frequent scurry to the bathroom in the middle of the night person.

I have an electric blanket and it really helps my joints and is less expensive to use.

Yes, Korean floors are heated with pipes that hold hot water or steam. I wish I had that system!

Right now I have a box spring, but my next bed would probably be a platform for a mattress to save money.

If I ever do get to move, I will toss the old bed for sure.

[ToomuchStuff]

I meant being exposed to electrical currents (when I said "all that"). Don't know how safe they are when they are right next to your body, like electric blankets. My massage table at the spa had one and that was probably the clients' favorite thing! Korean floors are usually heated, which must be lovely for everything including sleeping.

How close are you to an outlet at anytime during the day? Ever used an EMF or Gauss meter?

[iris lilies]

After thinking about this, My Aunt(now passed) slept on a bed roll her entire life. I remember going over in the morning and she would be rolling it up and setting behind the chair. Uncle slept in the bed upstairs.

That is interesting! Did she do it for health or,philosophical reasons, or?

[leslieann]

In his book, The Story of the Human Body, D. Lieberman suggests that the desire for comfort sometimes overrules our behaviour and we do things that are more comfortable but less than optimal for the body. Sleeping on mattresses is one of them according to his book, https://www.amazon.ca/Story-Human-Bo.../dp/030774180X

In BodyStories, Andrea Olsen talks about "constructive rest" in which you simply lie on the floor (on carpet or a towel or thin mat) for ten or more minutes, to help with posture, alignment and relaxation. I have found this very useful, and have asked students to try it and provide feedback...they loved it. When I haven't done it for awhile, my next time on the floor includes quite an adjustment. I do find that my body continues to shift during the entire period of rest, settling quite gradually into a relaxed position. I always feel better after doing it for awhile. Here is the link for BodyStories: https://www.amazon.ca/Bodystories-Ex.../dp/158465354X

I don't sleep on the floor, though, and I think climate and wanting to be near my spouse are probably the main reasons. I might try it once just for the sake of curiosity, though.