Why Should You Avoid Sleeping on the Couch?
After a long and exhausting day, it may be tempting to lie down on the couch and watch TV until you fall asleep. However, experts warn that sleeping on the couch is not a healthy habit.
The reason is that a couch is very different from a bed. According to sleep experts, when you sleep on a couch, you are unlikely to be in the optimal position, as a couch does not provide adequate long-term support for the spine.
Due to frequent movements, insufficient support, and the sound of the TV in the background, sleeping on the couch results in lower-quality sleep compared to sleeping in a bed. This can lead to disrupted sleep, reduced rest, and negative impacts on your mood, focus, and overall performance.
The Harmful Effects of Sleeping on the Couch
According to physical therapy experts, sleeping on the couch can cause lower back pain and neck pain.
This is because being semi-reclined prevents proper alignment of the spine. This can lead to muscle tension in the neck, shoulders, and back, resulting in chronic pain.
Additionally, people suffering from scoliosis or arthritis may risk worsening their conditions by sleeping on the couch.
The Importance of Your Sleep Cycle
Health experts emphasize that sleep is a vital necessity for rejuvenating the body and mind. They warn that sleeping on the couch could compromise the quality of your sleep, as couches do not provide an ideal sleeping posture.
If you sleep resting on the couch armrest, you are exposed to a noisy environment and at risk of being awakened in the middle of the night by light or sound. This results in “fragmented” sleep, which harms your ability to concentrate, your mood, and even your immune system. If this habit continues, you may accumulate “sleep debt.”
Why Do We Prefer Sleeping on the Couch?
There are several reasons why you might prefer sleeping on the couch. It could be a habit, a result of a disagreement with your partner, or simply extreme exhaustion that causes you to doze off on the couch.
Despite this, experts advise that it is better to make the bed your sanctuary for healthier and more restorative sleep.
