I Had the Best Sleep of My Life on a Traditional Japanese Futon – Why a Harder Bed Might Be Better
As a lifelong side sleeper, I didn’t expect a firm, floor-level futon to be comfortable, but I slept better than I have in years
Having just arrived back from two weeks in Japan, so many things amazed me. From the culture to the food, every aspect of the country was a complete delight – and none more so, as a Sleep Editor, than the beds.
In general, our city-based hotel bedrooms in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto came in a range of different shapes and sizes. But when we stayed in two traditional 'ryokans', or inns, along the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, tiny city spaces with plush Western mattresses gave way to expansive tatami mats, sliding shoji doors, and traditional futons, rolled out at bedtime.
Article continues belowI Had the Best Sleep of My Life on a Traditional Japanese Futon
Maybe it was the hours spent hiking and looking around temples, but kicking off my wooden sandals and flopping down on my traditional Japanese futon in the complete silence and darkness of our ryokan in the small hot spring town of Kawayu Onsen, sleep found me almost instantly.
I'd been skeptical – with so little between me and the floor, would this humble futon really be enough to support my side sleep position, and keep me comfortable all night long?
The answer, unequivocally, was yes. Come morning, I'd slept uninterrupted throughout the night and woke without any of the usual aches, pains, or typical signs you're sleeping on a bad mattress. Luckily, you don't have to go all the way to Japan to enjoy it, with Walmart stocking Japanese floor futons affordably.
Our hotel room at the Fujiya ryokan, in Kawayu Onsen.
I found the same thing the next night, when we stopped at Hotel Urashima, high on a hill in Kii-Katsuura. After our table and chairs were pushed aside, and futons laid out, I, once again, had a stellar night's sleep, and felt well rested once morning rolled back around, with no pain or stiffness to speak of.
Interested in finding out exactly why, I spoke with Dr. Ron Miller, a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy at Pursuit Physical Therapy. He explains, 'Futons provide a firm, evenly-distributed surface that helps keep the spine in neutral alignment and doesn’t allow for hips or shoulders to sink unevenly. I often find that back pain is linked to excessive sag in the mattress, especially in lumbar spine comfort.
'An arguably tighter support base can take some pressure off this during the night. Moreover, sleeping near the ground inherently limits the strange twisting movements that may help those with low back pain, given sacroiliac joint irritation.
'It isn’t about hard versus soft but maintaining a steady load that the body can predict and respond to.'
The common misconception that sleeping on a harder, flatter surface, like that of a futon mattress, will result in a bad back is simply not true (in most cases). After all, there's a reason they're so common in Japan – a nation that's consistently ranked as one of the healthiest and longest-living worldwide.
'Futons promote daily mobility, balance, and strength, resulting in an increased awareness of your body and the ability to move more efficiently,' adds Dr. Miller. 'They relieve pressure points, especially for back sleepers, which means less morning stiffness because joints don’t “sink and stiffen” overnight.'
In any case, I'm sold, and genuinely would consider a futon mattress for when I move later in the year, if I didn't already have a Japanese-style bed, complete with tatami mats, ready to move with me.
What I have learned, though, is that you don't need a plush, expensive mattress filled with layers of foam, fibers, and springs, even if you suffer from common aches and pains. Instead, sometimes, the simplest solutions bring the serenest sleep.
What to Shop
Whether you're ready to make a commitment to a futon or just want to add a touch of Japanese style to your bedroom space, my curated shopping picks below have got you covered.
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
There's nothing like the natural aroma of tatami mats to make a space feel zen and welcoming. This mat is large enough for a Queen-sized mattress, provides firm cushioning, and pairs perfectly with a futon, too.
This futon is a little plusher than the one I was sleeping on, and is thick, soft, and foldable. It's also convenient for travel and storage, and can double up as a play mat or seating area, too.
To go with a firmer futon, you need a comfortable pillow to suit your sleep style. This is the best pillow I've tried, and I love the soft support option as I prefer a softer sleep surface.
This firm mattress comes roll-packed for convenience, even if you live in a smaller space, and is suitable for use directly on the floor or tatami mats, or on adjustable slatted bed bases, mattress bases, or bed frames. It provides firm support.
This futon set includes a foldable futon mattress, comforter, and pillow. It's lightweight and designed to be easy to store away during the day, and is perfect for smaller apartments and guest use.
If you're not ready to commit fully to a futon, this gorgeous sateen duvet set will bring a touch of Japanese style to any space. It's made of densely woven sateen that won't pill or fade, and includes hidden ties to keep your comforter in place.
Meet the Expert
Dr. Miller has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy at Pursuit Physical Therapy based in Orlando, FL. He is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Florida Physical Therapy Association (FPTA), American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (AAOMPT), and is currently elected as an Assembly Representative for the East Central District of the FPTA.
Interested in more Japanese sleep secrets? I spoke to a Japanese wellness expert for her advice on creating a sanctuary.
