Why do Japanese people prefer sleeping on the floor instead of on a bed?

In Japan, there are also beds available at reasonable prices, so why do the Japanese choose to sleep on the floor? Here are four reasons.

0
294

In Vietnam, every bedroom has a sturdy bed for sleeping, but it is different for the Japanese. When you step into a Japanese-style bedroom, you might not find any beds. In reality, there are beds in Japan, and the price of beds is not too high, so why do the Japanese choose to sleep on the floor? Here are 4 reasons.

Reason 1: Utilizing space

nguoi-nhat-ngu-duoi-san-1

The population density in urban areas of Japan is high, so the number of small apartments is also high. This also leads to Japanese houses being typically small. To save space, the Japanese often build thin walls or sliding doors to separate different functional spaces. They also often arrange the living room to double as a bedroom with just a tatami mat. This is a type of mat that is small and lightweight, used for multiple purposes, to make the most of the living space.

Furthermore, not only is the land limited, but the houses in Japan are also built with a relatively low height, so if they use beds, an adult standing on the bed could touch the ceiling. Because of this lack of space, the Japanese people have had to adapt to ensure their quality of life is acceptable. When lying directly on the floor, the ceiling will feel higher. Without a bed, the empty floor area is also larger.

Reason 2: Ensuring safety

nguoi-nhat-ngu-duoi-san-3

Japan is one of the countries with the most earthquakes in the world. Therefore, the Japanese also have to be the most prepared for any situation.

Living on this island, it is crucial to sense an earthquake promptly and find a safer place. To react quickly to earthquakes, the Japanese lay on the floor to feel the shaking more clearly and quickly find a safer place. If they sleep on a bed, this feeling will be much slower. Moreover, if there is less furniture in the house, they can quickly escape when an earthquake occurs.

Reason 3: Good for health

nguoi-nhat-ngu-duoi-san-6

Many Japanese people believe that the sleeping surface should have moderate elasticity, not too hard or too soft. When sleeping on a flat, hard surface, it is good for the back and helps increase blood circulation because your weight is evenly distributed and less pressure is exerted on different parts of the body. On the contrary, sleeping on a soft bed, although comfortable, the mattress can start to sag over time, causing your spine to bend and lead to back pain. Besides, sleeping on the floor reduces the risk of falling for the elderly when they want to move from the bed to the ground.

The Japanese not only sleep on a wooden floor but also sleep on a tatami mat or futon. Tatami mats are made of tightly woven dry straw to increase elasticity and provide a comfortable feel. Besides, the mattress in Japan is not too thick, the pillows are also quite special, smaller in size, and filled with various types of grains. At first, you may find the pillow quite firm, not as comfortable as the familiar cotton-stuffed pillows, but this type of pillow is good for the neck and spine.

Reason 4: Traditional cultural practices

nguoi-nhat-ngu-duoi-san-2

The traditional cultural reason is perhaps the reason that determines sleeping on the floor for the Japanese. This is one of the main reasons that answers the question of why the Japanese do not sleep on beds. Simply because the cultural tradition of sleeping on the floor has existed for thousands of years in Japan. This habit has been passed down from generation to generation of Japanese people for millennia and has become a deep-rooted cultural feature of the Japanese.

You may also like

Decorating a Cozy Bedroom for Newlyweds

As you and your partner move into a shared living space, creating a cozy bedroom that you both feel comfortable in is essential. These helpful tips will make your bedroom a tranquil and inviting space for you both to relax and enjoy.

Exotic Miracle Drug: High Price Tag Doesn’t Deter Customers

Do you ever wonder about the properties and benefits of the popular, yet expensive, Vietnamese delicacy, fish testicles? Experience the treasured flavor today!

How to Identify Imported Fuji Apples from Different Countries

Do you love the sweet and juicy flavor of Fuji apples? Did you know that the Fuji apple originally hails from Japan? Now, let us explore how to differentiate the many varieties of imported goodness from different countries!

Cooking with Beer: A Surprisingly Delicious Twist

Have you ever wondered how to cook rice with beer? Well, believe it or not, it is actually a delicious dish in Japan.

A Girl Contemplates Mixing Marshmallows into Raw Eggs, but Ends up nodding approvingly and Recommends Everyone to Try

In 2015, editor Justina Huddleston from She Knows stumbled upon a unique egg recipe from the Japanese online community. Intrigued, she promptly decided to put it to the test.