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Why Does It Feel So Good To Lay Flat On Your Back On The Floor?
Updated
January 9, 2024
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Updated
January 9, 2024
Whether it’s simply a hot summer day or you are feeling a bit blue, sometimes laying on the floor is all you need.
After a tough breakup or a harsh interview rejection, lying on the cold floor listening to motivational podcasts can be a band-aid for your broken heart. Trust us, we have all been there– but have you ever wondered why it provides so much solace?
Spoiler alert - it has something to do with muscle relaxation and certain areas of your psyche.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the deets!
On a regular workday, most of us sit hunched over a computer screen and spend our evenings curling up on the sofa and binge-watching our favourite shows. Initially, these positions may not seem uncomfortable, but they tire out your shoulders, spine, and buttocks after a point.
So, when you lie down on the floor, the muscles that are hunched up or usually not engaged in other positions stretch and relax. That’s one of the reasons laying flat on the floor feels so therapeutic.
Another upside of being flat on the floor is that blood flows quickly in your body– no doubt, gravity plays a significant role in promoting blood flow. In the said position, the pressure is evenly distributed throughout the body and is not concentrated on the lumbar, spinal, and pelvic areas. This means blood flows evenly in your body and can reach the extremities.
Additionally, it ensures an optimum supply of oxygen and nutrients and promotes tissue repair. So if you are a fitness freak who hits the gym regularly, better blood circulation means faster muscle recovery.
Lastly, a cold floor might be just what you need on a scorching hot day to catch forty winks. If you often wake up soaked in sweat or find difficulty falling asleep on hot nights, lying on the floor can reduce your body heat. For those with no back problems, the floor might be a good place to nap during lazy summer afternoons.
While laying flat on the floor is relaxing, those with back aches or posture problems can find it uncomfortable. If that’s the case, you don’t have to feel left out because we’ve mentioned a few tips that will help you sleep comfortably on the floor.
Sometimes your discomfort is not physical but mental; if that is the case, we suggest creating a cosy space in your room to lie on the floor. Select a spot that receives optimum heating or cooling, depending on the weather. Declutter the space, ensuring that the floor is clear of objects that can hurt you while lying down.
Don’t shy away from using pillows and cushions, especially if you have joint pain. Take one for your neck and others for wherever you experience pain. Keeping one under your back for lumbar support can save you from a lot of back troubles. Once you are all tucked in, take a deep breath and let your body relax.
Of course, a cold floor can be comforting, but carpets can save the day if your back is not strong enough to go raw on the floor. More often than not, our backs get used to the plushness and support our luxury mattresses provide. So, carpet can serve as the middle ground between the stiffness of the floor and the softness of a mattress.
To stretch your spine further and relax your vertebrae, fold both knees at 90° with feet flat on the ground. Make sure your legs are hip-width apart, and your butts are flat on the floor– stay in this position and take deep breaths to wind down.
The only thing better than laying on the floor is sleeping under the open sky! So, if the weather is pleasant, take your carpet outside and lie down under the sun to soak up some vitamin D.
Now you know why laying on the floor feels so good and tricks to make yourself more comfortable. Before wrapping up, let’s discuss the benefits of lying on the floor.
Many doctors recommend people with back aches sleep on the floor because it can soothe their pain. That’s because laying on a hard surface keeps the spine in a neutral position, which can ultimately stop the back from hurting.
Related: Best Mattresses For Back Pain.
However, side and stomach sleepers mustn’t sleep on the floor because inadequate cushioning can cause discomfort. If you are a back sleeper, the floor may improve your posture and alleviate back pain. But for those who sleep on their sides or stomach, sleeping on the floor can do more harm than good, so it’s better to stick with the mattress.
A lot of people have noticed that laying on the floor regularly helps straighten their shoulders and spine. This can make you look taller and reduce the chances of scoliosis and other postural deformities. It is also excellent for people who experience chronic migraines and lumbar tension.
We have already discussed that laying on the floor can lead to better blood flow. But what’s lesser known is that it can also strengthen your immune system and respiration.
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that lying on the floor can be therapeutic. On top of making you feel relaxed, it offers long-term benefits – boosts blood flow, promotes tissue repair and makes you confident, owing to better posture.
So, if you struggle with any of the above mentioned problems, try laying on the floor unless you’re playing ‘the floor is lava.’
Until next time!