https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VEeaHTKc1Hh9d5hmb6oSxaVeUvYsyUhn4NkQJcgUQsS-ry1LX2B_YAJ8dJJYOayyVlnT-ItvSTLCGn7gvVqt-SuJUcuY75k4A0I89KiD69nJ1nWosz6uOl3H4GH78ZlG03Vd_WKU=s0
Written in tone for The Futon Shop (not published on site): https://www.thefutonshop.com/futon-mattresses/shiki-futons/
About 60% of Americans sleep on some sort of spring box mattress. Only 3% sleep on a futon. That’s a 20x difference! However we didn’t always do that. In fact, the modern mattress is a brand new addition to our nightly routine compared to how long we’ve been on this planet. The spring mattress was first introduced in the 1870s and didn’t become popular until the 1950s. This means we've been sleeping on mattresses for less than a century compared to the give or take 300,000 years we’ve been on earth. Before this we slept on harder surfaces. Which is now looked at as unsupportive and uncomfortable. Even dangerous by some. Whether that be mats on the floor, thin beds stuffed with natural materials, or some variation of a cot or hammock.
There are plenty of reasons to sleep on a hard surface. But that doesn’t mean to toss out your bed and sleep on carpet, hardwood floor, or outside in the dog house! You can reap the same benefits your ancestors did of sleeping naturally and in style with a shiki futon.
Shiki futons are as close as you can get to sleeping on the floor without sacrificing looks or comfort. For argument's sake let’s take a look at why sleeping on the floor is great.
Sleeping on the floor is great for your body and wallet. It allows your body to relax completely and focus on regeneration and rejuvenation. Here’s why:
By sleeping on a hard surface your bones support your body instead of your muscles. This means weight is placed onto your spine, hips and shoulders. Realigning them and releasing tension throughout the body. This translates into better spinal alignment, better posture and most importantly eliminates back pain. Additionally the natural tossing and turning that comes with typically nights rest is turned into a massage because of this fact.
Sleeping on a futon creates better blood flow. When you have more blood moving through the internal organs, you are also strengthening the heart and improving digestion. The liver and skin is also stimulated by this. Interestingly, in traditional Chinese medicine the liver is said to regulate dreams. Which may allude to sleeping on the floor or at least on a hard surface.
This added relaxation both helps you fall asleep and wake up easier. When your muscles are relaxed and your body is instead supported by its bones instead you can fall asleep faster. You enter a more rejuvenating sleep because the body functions are not slowed or hindered and this makes it easier to wake up because you are well rested. It’s a win-win!
It is much more economical than a regular mattress. Sleeping on the floor, or as close to it as you can comfortably can. Such as with a shiki futon, is a more wallet friendly option to a modern mattress. A regular mattress nowadays runs you around $1000 on average. You can get a shiki futon made with organic materials of your choice for half that price at our website. Now that’s a steal!