Why Do Japanese People Usually Sleep on the Floor Instead of in Beds? The Answer Might Surprise You

Everybody loves a good night’s sleep in bed, but the Japanese have a different habit. Even though they have spacious and comfortable houses, they still prefer to sleep on the floor. So why is that?

Maximizing Living Space

In Japanese culture, tatami mats are common in most households, serving a variety of flexible purposes. Not only do they function as regular floor mats, but tatami mats can also be used as seating areas or sleeping quarters when needed.

With the smaller room sizes in Japanese homes, using tatami mats for sleeping is a way to optimize living space and save room. In addition, most Japanese homes have built-in heating systems, providing warmth during the winter months.

Ensuring Child Safety

The Japanese believe that sleeping on the floor is safer for young children, minimizing the risk of falling out of bed or against the bed frame while sleeping. The comfort and freedom of movement that comes with sleeping on the floor also allows children to roll around and crawl about without much risk.

Fear of Natural Disasters

Japan is prone to frequent earthquakes, so being able to sense and react quickly is essential. By sleeping on the floor, Japanese people are able to feel the tremors of an earthquake to a greater extent and can more easily navigate their way to safety. In addition, keeping minimal furniture in the home also helps them to move around quickly when necessary.

Health Benefits

The Japanese believe that sleeping on a bed that is too soft can be detrimental to your bones and joints. Instead, they favor beds with a medium level of firmness, neither too hard nor too soft. According to them, sleeping on a flat, hard surface is better for your back and helps to improve blood circulation as your weight is more evenly distributed, putting less strain on different parts of your body.

In contrast, sleeping on a soft mattress, while comfortable, can cause the mattress to sag over time, misaligning the spine and causing back pain. This also helps to reduce the risk of falls as seniors try to move from their bed to the floor.

Additionally, the Japanese do not usually sleep directly on the wooden floor, but instead use tatami mats or mattresses. Tatami mats are made of tightly woven dried straw, providing resilience and comfort. At the same time, mattresses in Japan tend to be on the thinner side, with pillows that are also smaller in size and filled with beans, benefiting the neck.

Easier to Get Up

Another reason why the Japanese prefer to sleep on the floor instead of a bed is that it is easier to get up. Often, the comfort of a bed and mattress can make it difficult to get up in the morning. In contrast, sleeping on the floor promotes better quality sleep, making it easier to wake up each morning without feeling the need to linger in bed.

Cultural Tradition

Another reason is that cultural tradition has led the Japanese to favor sleeping on the floor for thousands of years. This habit has been passed down from generation to generation in Japanese society.