Sleeping on a Futon | Exploring the benefits on health and design

A great sleeping arrangement is necessary for a peaceful night. Beds are the most common of sleep spaces in the world. With a variety of sizes, mattress qualities and unique designs, beds are preferred by all. Slowly but surely, the Japanese tradition of sleeping on a futon is gaining popularity. There are stark differences between a bed and a futon. You must be wondering what is a futon after all?

What is a Futon?

A futon is basically a Japanese style mattress which includes a low-lying frame that is set up on the floor. Modern designs come with folding features to convert the futon into a recliner. The highlight of a futon is the space it helps to save. You can roll it up and put it away. It can even be taken on a trip for a comfortable night. If you have set up the futon on a frame, you can slide it under the other bed to make room. Most people like to add a futon to their living area or the common room to accommodate more sleepers. It also helps provide more seating space for guests.

Time to replace the bed and sleep on a futon

When it comes to beds versus futons, do not be quick to make a solid decision. The Japanese people have been living on futons for a very long time. In the olden days, the Japanese slept on the floor on tatami mats with only a hard pillow to support the head. A soft foldable mattress was added to this sleeping arrangement to add comfort and experiment with colorful bedding. The futon is not as uncomfortable as it may seem to people who have always used beds. However, it does take some time to get used to.

Futons are versatile

Beds are elevated and occupy too much space. They cannot be moved easily. You have to disassemble the wooden or metal frame and also move the heavy mattress. There are only so many ways to change up your room when there is a big bed to move around. With futons, the possibilities of redesigning your room are endless. You can utilize each corner to your liking and lay out the futon when it is time to sleep. You can choose the softest of cotton mattresses for a futon.

Health Benefits of sleeping on a futon

The biggest difference between a futon and a bed is the mattress involved. Beds have heavy, spring mattresses. The comfort factor is a big one if you love a soft and hugging mattress. Quite a number of heavy mattresses are available in the markets that cater to various needs of sleepers. Most important being back problems that prevent a peaceful night’s sleep.

Research has shown that a relatively hard sleeping surface helps avoid back problems. We know you love your bed but give the futon a chance. The Japanese have increased their life spans and become healthier over time. Could it be partly because of sleeping on a futon? Maybe. A firm surface helps keep the spine aligned and reduce chances of back pain every time you wake up. Moreover, even pregnant women have benefitted from sleeping on futons. The dreaded back pain was the least of their problems as a result. You can add another soft layer to achieve your desired level of comfort.

The Futon is for everyone!

The futon might remind you of your college days but it is a great sleeping system for all ages. Children tend to fall off the bed during the night if they are sleeping alone or on one side. This is extremely dangerous and worrisome for the parents. A futon can act as a sleep space as well as a seating arrangement where kids can play or study during the day. Couples can invest in a futon to give their bedroom a new dimension. Plus it doubles as a recliner and you can add a working area to your room. Futons are very affordable. They are convenient for houses with less number of rooms and more residents.

Make your own futon experience

Futons have quilted mattresses that can be rolled up easily. They are easier to clean and wash. You can even take the mattress out and hang it in the sun. The cotton material makes it an ideal long-term sleep space. Futons can be as colorful and attractive as the regular beds with designer duvet sets. You can add embroidered throws, funky cushions and elegant bed sheets. The choice is yours! Add your personal touch to make the futon come alive.

Come and experience setting up your own futon, sleeping on a futon and many other things when visiting our Ryokan Hotels. Sakura Urushitei, Sakura Hongan-G and Tokyo Edo Sakura helps you experience the traditional Japanese way of life with modern facilities and setting.