A completely healthy spine is a rarity today. There are many reasons for this - lack of exercise, poor diet, poor environment, etc. But the most important of them is the lack of proper sleep, because in this matter not only the time component is important, but also the quality.
The last indicator is provided by three indicators: proper clothing, fresh air, and a comfortable bed. As for the first point, everything here is very subjective, because some people prefer pajamas and nightgowns, some like to sleep in underwear, and some like to sleep completely naked. The need to ventilate the sleeping area is not even discussed. But what about the bed? What to choose - a sofa, a bed with a feather bed, an orthopedic mattress, or better, without them at all? Next, we’ll figure out whether sleeping on the floor is good for the spine or whether the Count of Monte Cristo, who didn’t even consider any other options, was completely wrong.
Physiology of the musculoskeletal system
Before we begin to clarify in detail the question of whether sleeping on the floor is beneficial or harmful, it is necessary to understand how our spine functions.
The muscular corset of a healthy person is in tension all day, supporting the spinal ridge in a vertical position. The spinal column is constantly under stress and only at night, when we sleep, the vertebrae, having completely relaxed, can rest and recover.
On a surface that is too soft, our body takes an unnatural position and does not relax completely, since the muscle corset remains tense to keep the vertebrae from spreading. This is fraught with impaired blood flow in soft tissues, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, and lack of sleep, which inevitably leads to various kinds of chronic diseases.
The main reasons for the ban
Whether you can sleep on the sofa or not is not such a simple question. In most cases, this piece of furniture simply turns out to be impractical for these purposes. In addition, it is not able to provide a person with complete, healthy sleep.
Important! A bed with a quality mattress cannot be replaced by any sofa. Only it provides the correct support for the spine and the entire body, which is required during the night's rest.
The following factors explain why you should not sleep on the sofa:
- The surface of a piece of furniture in most cases becomes dirty, since it is used throughout the day, and not just at night.
- Pathogenic microorganisms can settle in the fabrics from which the sofa is made, which lead to dangerous infections. Things are not so critical with the bed, since it is used less often.
- A large amount of dust accumulates in the upholstery of the sofa. Even constantly covering it with a blanket does not completely solve this problem. This action only slightly minimizes it.
- The sofa is softer or, on the contrary, too hard than a traditional bed. All this negatively affects a person’s comfort, which should be at the highest level during sleep.
- The surface of the furniture is uneven. This is one of the explanations why you should not sleep on the sofa. Because of this, the human body will not be properly supported.
The fact that the surface of the sofa heats up faster is also taken into account. All because of the materials from which different furniture models are made. This also has a negative impact on sleep.
Benefits of sleeping on hard surfaces
The body weight on the hard floor is distributed evenly, the muscles are completely relaxed. Besides:
- the spine straightens;
- the spaces between the vertebrae increase;
- the vessels of the neck and brain are released from compression;
- Oxygen deficiency is replenished in internal organs;
- The slag accumulated during the day is burned as a result of the processes listed above.
On a soft bed, the spinal column bends, posture changes, and over time a stoop appears. Sleeping on a hard horizontal surface will help get rid of discomfort in the back and many diseases of the spine.
Sleeping on the floor is also beneficial for the nervous system, as the work of the venous vessels is activated, which significantly improves blood circulation.
Scientists have proven that when all vertebrae, from the 3rd to the 10th, are located evenly and horizontally, the liver works much more efficiently. Resting on a hard surface also promotes the proper functioning of:
- Kidney.
- Intestines.
- Lungs.
- Hearts.
It is also important that while sleeping on the floor, the normal condition of the nasal septum is ensured and, as a result, the risk of developing many diseases is minimized. After all, it is the nasal septum that is responsible for the physiological balance in all internal organs. Its abnormal state is one of the root causes:
- asthma;
- fibroids;
- diseases of the endocrine and genital organs;
- urinary incontinence;
- pain during menstruation;
- constipation;
- enteritis;
- diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys;
- irritability, anxiety;
- dizziness, etc.
It's harmful to sleep on the sofa
The sofa is considered multifunctional furniture. It can complement any interior; you can sleep, have fun, and work on it. But there are many shortcomings in the issue of sleep. According to experts, it is impossible to sleep properly and comfortably on a sofa. And it should not act as a place for proper rest.
Why shouldn't you sleep on the sofa?
There are several reasons why a sofa is not suitable for comfortable sleep:
- Unhygienic. Dust accumulates on the sofa, or rather on its upholstery. And its quantity is simply huge. The sofa is an attribute that is used throughout the day, where they have a snack, watch TV, children jump and play. A person usually comes home and immediately sits down on the sofa. Fine dirt and dust get there from his street clothes. Experts say that it would be good to treat the sofa using a steam cleaner. However, not everyone has it at home.
- Harm to the back. If you sleep on the sofa every day, you can damage your joints and spine. On such a product, body weight will not be evenly distributed. The rest will not be comfortable and complete, since the sofa has very soft or hard filling and the design has curves. Usually, after such a dream, a person notices pain in the back and muscles. Researchers have been saying for quite some time that it would be healthier to sleep on the floor.
- Inconvenient. On the sofa it is very difficult to choose the position in which you will feel comfortable sleeping. If there are seams, they can get in the way. The person will toss and turn, and then sleep will disappear. And in the morning your bones will ache. If we talk about a regular bed, then it’s not like that. It has a smooth surface, so a person can relax and feel energetic in the morning.
- Not safe. Typically, chipboard frames are used to make sofas. This material contains glue, which is known for its toxicity. And a person breathes it in if he sleeps on the sofa. In a sitting position, the glue vapors do not reach the person. But when he lies down, he begins to breathe it. Similar substances that harm the body can even be contained in the upholstery of the sofa. The sofa should not be used daily for its intended purpose. Therefore, these products are not tested for harmfulness.
- Cold or hot. When it comes to a mattress that is placed on a bed, the thermoregulation function works there. On the one hand, the composition contains wool, and on the other, cotton. In the summer, the mattress is placed with the cotton side up, and in the winter - with the wool side up. In the case of a sofa there is no such possibility. The upholstery is unable to create the temperature that will be comfortable. Therefore, it often happens that a person may languish from the heat or freeze while sleeping on the sofa.
There is no choice - there is a way out!
Sleeping on the couch is harmful to the body, but this harm can be minimized. For this you should:
- Take care of the sofa. If you use it for sleeping, then you should not sit there all the time. Keep the product clean.
- Do exercises in the morning to warm up the joints of your back, neck, and muscles. You can do light stretching or rotation of body parts.
- Buy high quality bedding. It is better to take those sets that are made from natural materials, then we can talk about a comfortable sleep. But there can’t be too much comfort.
Regardless of where you sleep, take care of your health. It is best to choose a high-quality mattress that will protect your back and spine from injury and pain. The mattress must meet all requirements and provide a comfortable sleep. It is better to purchase such a product once than to suffer while sleeping and earn yourself problems.
Categories: Everything about healthy and sound sleep
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How to sleep on the floor correctly
In any case, sleeping conditions should be as comfortable as possible. And you also need to sleep on a hard floor correctly. This is facilitated by:
- Cleaned floor.
- A thin but firm mattress (you can use a gymnastics mat or blanket instead).
- Natural bed made from breathable fabrics.
- No drafts.
- Pre-well-ventilated area.
- Warm but light blanket.
- Moderately cool air temperature.
- Comfortable pillow.
Benefits of sleeping on the floor
The need for preventive sleep on a hard surface has been proven more than once. Sleeping on the floor is incredibly beneficial not only for your back, as it:
- The spine is aligned, due to which pain in the cervical region disappears.
- Posture improves significantly, and the chances of developing scoliosis are minimized.
- The load on the pelvic organs is completely removed, thereby stimulating their normal functioning and preventing the risk of prolapse.
- The body is fully saturated with oxygen, organs work better and are renewed faster.
- Metabolism and hormonal levels are normalized.
- Sleep becomes as deep as possible and, as a result, effective.
- The body completely relaxes and rests well.
- Cerebral circulation is normalized, which has a positive effect on creative and mental performance.
- The nervous system calms down, the general mental state improves significantly.
People who were recommended by experts to sleep on the floor with osteochondrosis note that after just a few days the desired therapeutic effect is noticeable - the pain goes away, lightness appears throughout the body
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Sleeping place according to Feng Shui: Who should not sleep on the sofa
1. The position of the bed with your feet towards the door is unfavorable. This is the so-called dead man's position. Bad for health. 2. If the bed is in a draft , then this can not only lead to a cold, but also contributes to unfavorable feng shui of the bedroom. The flow of Qi energy should be soft, smooth, and wave-like. Therefore, it is better not to place the bed on a straight line between the front door and the window. In addition, it should have a high rectangular back that serves as support. Place the head of it against a solid wall.
3. From a Feng Shui point of view, sleeping on the floor is unfavorable, as is resting too high, for example on the top bunk of a bunk bed . Qi should flow under the place to sleep, but not in excess, so as not to interfere with its smooth movement. If there are old boxes and suitcases with things under your bed, they will also prevent Qi from circulating harmoniously. Keep it all somewhere else! 4. Sharp corners of furniture should not look at your bed , and in no case should you sleep under anything overhanging. Above the head of the bed there is no place for beams, electrical outlets, chandeliers, shelves, or massive paintings. If you still sleep under them and there is no way to move the bed, then at least correct this unfavorable situation. 5. Some people buy a bed consisting of two halves . This divides the Qi energy in two, which leads to disagreements between husband and wife. The feng shui of a bed will bring unity and harmony to a marriage if it is wide and one piece. It is also considered unfavorable to sleep on two beds pushed together. They still remain separate halves.
A sofa consisting of two parallel, but not connected to each other, mattresses is also not good. It is also sort of divided into two parts. This can be corrected by purchasing a thin mattress, which needs to be laid on top: thus, even a sofa-book will become a full-fledged bed for spouses.
6. The bed is positioned with the head towards the window. Brings restless sleep, illness, and your loved ones will not support you.
7. Books should not be at the head of the bed , especially detective stories, horror films and other negative reading. The book constantly radiates the energy of its content and its author.
8. A sleeping person should not be reflected in a mirror while sleeping: the bed should not be placed opposite a mirrored cabinet or dressing table with a mirror.
9. Blue bedspreads and bed linen cool marital passion. To strengthen your marital relationship, use red pillows in the shape of hearts and paired items to decorate your bedroom: 2 birds, 2 vases, 2 candles, etc. A pair of cranes, doves, swans, and a pine branch symbolize marital fidelity and longevity.
10. Don't buy a bed or sofa from antique or consignment stores. The bed retains the energy of its previous owners for a long time. What if someone was sick for a long time or died on this bed? And old mirrors are especially dangerous. If you inherited a bed from relatives, place salt on it in shallow bowls for one day, fumigate the bed with an incense stick and walk around it several times with a lit church candle. After this, throw the salt into the toilet; if possible, it is better to bury it in the ground.
11. Do not sleep on round beds or beds with a synthetic film mattress filled with water. There is nothing worse than sleeping on such an obviously unstable bed. In general, the best criterion for assessing the quality of a bed is to see how stable and durable it is. Never sleep on an unstable bed. And check often how well all the bolts are tightened.
12. The headboard also has its own meanings. Copper backs are not welcome, and semicircular ones are not as favorable as rectangular ones, since a semicircle suggests incompleteness. But this is not particularly important. It is important that the bed simply has a back, preferably a solid one, and not made of rods.
When choosing a bed, it is important to pay special attention to its size
Many people know that there is a special Geomancer Ruler, with the help of which favorable sizes of interior items, windows, doors, paintings, mirrors, etc. are selected. The most common size of beds offered on the market is 1400x2000 mm. Unfortunately, it is unfavorable.
Favorable sizes for a bed are 1500X2200 mm, 1900X2200 mm, 2200X2200 mm, 2200X2400 mm. The bed should have a moderately high headboard touching the wall, legs (but not very high from the floor) and a single mattress.
The color scheme of the bedroom is chosen depending on the energies circulating in the room and the personal element of the owners. The location of the bed relative to the door and windows of the room is of great importance.