Surely all of us love the feeling of sleeping well in bed, but the Japanese have different habits. No matter how spacious and wealthy their houses are, they still prefer to sleep on the ground. So what is the reason for this difference?

In Japan, most families use tatami mats, a multifunctional piece of furniture. Tatami not only acts as a regular carpet, but can also be used as a place to receive guests or turn into a bed when needed to rest.

In addition, with limited living space due to crowded land, using tatami helps save space and create a minimalist space. Most houses are equipped with heating systems, ensuring warmth even in winter.

Ensuring safety for children

The Japanese also believe that sleeping on the floor is safer for young children. If children sleep on the bed, without the attention of their parents, they can easily roll down, causing danger. Meanwhile, lying on the floor helps children feel more comfortable rolling and crawling without fear of falling.

Fear of natural disasters

Japan is a country where earthquakes often occur, so people here are always well prepared for all situations. It is extremely important to feel the vibrations in time and quickly escape from dangerous places.

When lying on the floor, Japanese people can easily feel the vibrations and quickly move to a safe place. Moreover, if there are few furniture in the house, it will be easier to escape when an earthquake occurs.

Good for health

Many Japanese people believe that lying on a bed that is too soft is not good for the bones and joints. They think that a bed with moderate elasticity, not too hard or too soft, is the best choice. Sleeping on a flat and hard surface will help support the back, while improving blood circulation thanks to the even distribution of body weight, reducing pressure on different parts.

Although soft beds may feel comfortable, over time the mattress will sag, causing the spine to curve and leading to back pain. Furthermore, sleeping on the floor reduces the risk of falls for the elderly when they want to move to the ground.

The Japanese not only sleep on wooden floors but also use tatami mats or mattresses. Tatami mats are made from tightly pressed dried straw, creating elasticity and comfort. Japanese mattresses are usually not thick, while pillows are smaller in size and filled with seeds. Although the pillow may initially feel harder than regular stuffed pillows, this type of pillow is beneficial for the neck and nape.

Helps wake up easier

Another reason why Japanese people choose to sleep on the floor instead of a bed is that it makes it easier to wake up. Many people have difficulty waking up early in the morning due to the feeling of warmth, soft mattresses and can be sore due to lying in the wrong position. Sleeping on the floor improves the quality of sleep and the feeling of not being dependent on pillows and blankets.

According to cultural tradition

Another important reason for this habit is that the culture of sleeping on the floor has existed for thousands of years in Japan. This habit has been passed down from generation to generation in the culture of the people of the land of the rising sun.