- Ark's Newsletter
- Posts
- 1 Year of Floor Sleeping with a Japanese Futon — here’s what happened
1 Year of Floor Sleeping with a Japanese Futon — here’s what happened
My Year of Sleeping on the Floor: A Journey to Better Sleep and Health
Ark
June 01, 2025
The Unexpected Beginning
One year ago, I made a bold decision: I gave away my expensive mattress and started sleeping on a floor futon. At the time, it wasn’t about chasing a trend or making a statement—it was a practical choice to avoid spending another fortune on a new mattress. My old one, despite its hefty price tag, wasn’t delivering. I woke up every morning feeling groggy, stiff, and unrested, with chronic back pain that I’d chalked up to aging and motherhood. I had tried everything—physical therapy, chiropractors, stretching routines, and that costly mattress—but nothing provided lasting relief.
Then, a neighbor’s request for furniture donations sparked a change. I gave away my bed, figuring I’d sort out what came next later. Inspired by Japanese floor sleeping traditions and a video by Mike Chang on the benefits of sleeping on the floor, I decided to try it. It seemed counterintuitive—sleeping on a hard surface to fix back pain? But at $80 for a basic futon setup, it was a low-risk experiment compared to another $1,000 mattress.
The First Few Nights: A Rocky Start
I won’t sugarcoat it—the first three nights were rough. I questioned every life choice that led me to this point, lying on a thin futon on the floor, wondering if I’d made a huge mistake. But on the fourth night, something shifted. I woke up feeling… good. Energized. Less stiff. My back pain, which had been a constant companion for years, was noticeably better. By the third week, I felt like a new person—no more stiffness, no more chronic pain. I was waking up ready to take on the world, and I couldn’t believe it. Why hadn’t I tried this sooner?
Physical Benefits of Floor Sleeping
Over the past 365 days, I’ve noticed profound changes in my body. Here are the biggest ones:
Improved Mobility: Sleeping on the floor naturally incorporates movement into my daily routine. Getting up and down from the floor multiple times a day—without needing to rely on my hands—has made me more agile. I’ve also embraced floor sitting and working at a floor desk, which has further integrated natural movement into my life. It’s like a built-in mobility workout, no gym required.
Elimination of Back Pain: The biggest win was saying goodbye to chronic back pain. On a traditional mattress, parts of your body sink unevenly, throwing your spine out of alignment. Your muscles work overtime to compensate, leaving you sore by morning. On the floor, with just a thin futon, my spine stays aligned, and my muscles can relax. This simple change solved a problem I thought I’d live with forever.
Better Sleep Quality: I used to wake up feeling like I hadn’t slept at all. Now, I wake up refreshed, energized, and ready to tackle the day. The firm surface seems to support my body in a way that promotes deeper, more restorative sleep.
Challenges and Solutions
Floor sleeping isn’t without its challenges. One key consideration is airflow to prevent mold and ensure comfort. I experimented with several tatami mats and settled on the Zon Leaf Tatami Mat, made from natural coconut fiber and jute. It’s lightweight, portable, and provides excellent breathability. I can easily move my setup or stack it away to free up space, which is perfect for my minimalist lifestyle. I even fold my futon into a couch when I’m filming videos.
Another game-changer was adding a knitted weighted blanket with holes for airflow. Unlike traditional weighted blankets, it doesn’t trap heat, and the gentle pressure helps me relax without the urge to fidget (goodbye, leg-shaking habit!). The combination of the firm futon and the weighted blanket creates a cozy, grounding sleep experience that helps me drift off quickly.
Lifestyle Shifts and Mindset
Sleeping on the floor has done more than fix my back—it’s changed how I move and live. I’m more intentional about incorporating natural movement into my day, inspired by kids who treat the world as their playground. My goal is to age gracefully, staying spry and independent without needing a cane or walker. Floor living supports that by keeping me flexible and strong.
This journey has also sparked a broader lifestyle shift. I’ve created a YouTube channel and a subreddit (now at 65 members!) to share my experiences with floor sleeping and living. It’s opened up a community of like-minded people exploring simpler, more grounded ways to live.
Tips for Getting Started
If you’re curious about floor sleeping, here’s how to ease into it:
Start Gradually: Don’t ditch your mattress right away (lesson learned!). Set up a floor sleeping station next to your bed to test it out. If you feel achy, you can always return to your mattress.
Invest in the Right Setup: A thin futon and a breathable tatami mat are key. Check out my recommendations for the Zon Leaf Tatami Mat and knitted weighted blanket (links in the description).
Be patient: it took me a few nights to adjust. Give your body time to adapt to the firmer surface.
Listen to Your Body: Floor sleeping isn’t for everyone. If it doesn’t work for you, that’s okay—find what does.
Would I Go Back to a Regular Bed?
In a word: no. Hotel stays with plush mattresses leave me achy and longing for my floor setup. Sleeping on the floor has solved my back issues in a way no expensive mattress ever did. That said, results vary. If you’ve spent decades on soft mattresses, the transition might take longer, but it’s worth exploring.
Looking Ahead
I’m excited to keep tweaking my setup—maybe experimenting with seasonal adjustments or new accessories. For now, my $80 floor bed has outperformed any pricey mattress, saving me money and transforming my health. My kids are even getting an early start, learning that good sleep doesn’t have to come with a big price tag.
Have you tried floor sleeping? How’s it going? Drop your questions or experiences in the comments, or join our floor living subreddit to connect with the community. Check out my Floor Sleeping 101 video and playlist for more tips. Here’s to better sleep, less pain, and living a little closer to the ground!
#Innovation #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #DigitalMarketing #Technology #Career #Networking #Business #Motivation #FutureOfWork
From Rent to Freedom: How to Build Your Tiny Home & Live Off-Grid, Paperback, Large Print, March 14, 2025
Looking for the perfect gifts or a little something special for yourself this season? Discover amazing products that will make your holidays unforgettable! Click here to explore now!
Your Closet Might Be Holding You Back—Fix It Now, Hardcover, Large Print, March 13, 2025
Affiliate Disclaimer:
This article may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you if you click through and make a purchase. As an affiliate, I only recommend products and services that I genuinely believe will add value to your holiday season. Your support helps me continue to create helpful content—thank you!