03:35 PM
Thursday 28 July 2022
I wrote – Nada Sami:
Some people prefer to sleep on the floor instead of in bed, and although this habit may bring a range of benefits to the health of the body, it may expose it to some health risks, especially in some groups.
In the following report, the Conselto reviews the most prominent benefits of sleeping on the floor, as well as the potential health risks, according to the “Medical news today” website.
Benefits of sleeping on the floor
There are a number of benefits when sleeping on the floor, but they may not suit everyone, and it is necessary to consult a doctor in the event of a health problem, especially in the back, spine and neck. Among the most important of these benefits are the following:
There is some research to suggest that sleeping on the floor enhances sleep comfort, enhances sleep quality, and improves spinal alignment, all of which can help reduce back pain, as one 2015 systematic review notes.
It’s also possible that without pillows around pressure points on the body – such as the hips, shoulder or back of the head – sleeping on the floor can increase pressure and discomfort. This can lead to less sleep as well as more pain.
The spine is more prone to bending on a soft surface, so sleeping on a firmer surface may help align and straighten the neck and spine.
Sleeping on the floor may help reduce the severity of the high temperature and feel some cold, which helps to speed up sleep, and enjoy a number of continuous hours of sleep.
Read also: How many hours of sleep is appropriate to maintain a healthy heart?
Disadvantages of sleeping on the floor
Sleeping on the floor may not be comfortable for some, and may also cause some damage and health risks, which are as follows:
The lack of dedicated support under specific pressure points as one might find the mattress inconvenient for people with joint pain or arthritis.
Also, being close to the ground means more proximity to dust and dirt, which increases the risk of allergies. People with allergies may find that the following symptoms increase with sleeping on the floor:
-sneezing
– cough
A blocked or runny nose
Eye redness
It is therefore essential to vacuum and clean the floor frequently to avoid irritation and sensitivity.
Mattresses and sheets that people use on the floor are more susceptible to bed bugs, and to reduce this risk, it is better to raise the mattress a little and make sure that the mattress does not touch the ground.
Mattresses need sufficient air circulation to prevent mold formation, lack of air circulation around the mattress can increase the risk of sweat trapping inside, leading to mold and bad odors as a result.
Also, people with underlying health conditions that affect circulation such as anemia or diabetes may find that sleeping on the floor makes them feel cold.
Sleeping on a firmer surface, such as the floor or a firm mattress, can sometimes reduce circulation further, because excessive pressure on some areas of the body — such as the buttocks, shoulders, and lower legs — may limit blood flow.
Getting on and getting out of bed may be difficult for people with reduced mobility or limited mobility, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and obese individuals.
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