Why Do I Sleep Better On The Couch Than On The Bed? (Pros & Cons) 

Last Updated on July 16, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

Some people find themselves sleeping better on the couch than on the bed. There could be several reasons for this. One possibility is that the couch provides a more comfortable and cozy environment for sleep. The cushions and support of the couch might align better with their body, reducing discomfort and promoting relaxation. Additionally, the couch might offer a different sleeping position or angle that suits them better.

Reasons Why People Sleep Better On The Couch Than On The Bed

There are several possible reasons why some individuals find themselves sleeping better on the couch rather than in their own beds. While this may not be the case for everyone, here are a few potential reasons for this preference:

• Comfort and Firmness: Some people prefer the firmness and support provided by a couch compared to their bed. The cushioning and structure of a couch can offer a level of comfort that aids in falling asleep and staying asleep throughout the night.
• Familiarity and Habit: If someone has spent a significant amount of time sleeping on the couch, it may become their preferred sleeping spot due to habit and familiarity. The couch becomes associated with relaxation and rest, making it easier for them to fall asleep in that environment.
• Cozy and Enclosed Space: Sleeping on a couch can create a sense of coziness and a feeling of being enclosed, which can help individuals feel more secure and protected. This sense of security can lead to improved sleep quality as they are able to fully relax and drift off into a deep sleep.
• Reduced Noise and Disturbances: Compared to a bedroom, the living room may be a quieter and more peaceful space, especially if it is located away from sources of noise such as a busy street or a snoring partner. The absence of disruptive sounds can result in more restful sleep on the couch.
• Temperature and Airflow: The temperature and airflow in a living room may be more regulated or comfortable for some individuals. If they find the bedroom too warm or stuffy, sleeping on the couch in a different part of the house with better airflow can lead to improved sleep quality.

Why Is Falling Asleep On The Sofa Easy? (pros)

Falling asleep on a sofa is easier for many people. There is no trick to it, but there is something psychological within us without our knowledge. The feeling of comfort and mental knowing that the couch is not necessarily a place to sleep have some effect. The main factors that make you fall asleep easily on a sofa are: 

1. Environment

The environment you choose to sleep in can have positive and negative effects. The bedroom can be as too warm or cold at times. The extreme temperature on either end can inhibit you from getting adequate or good enough sleep. The living room can have better sleeping conditions than your bedroom. On the couch, you can have a light throw covering you. 

A throw will keep you warm but not too warm and keep the cold away. On the bed, the covers might cause a lot of heat, causing a disturbance, and making it difficult for you to fall asleep.

2. Elevation

When on the couch, you can easily fall asleep because your head is well elevated than on the bed, which is much flatter. A pillow can help elevate your head on the bed, but the armrest on your couch feels different and is much higher. It can feel comfortable on the couch, but prolonged hours of your head and neck being elevated that higher can cause neck pains and even lower back pains.

3. Unawareness 

In most instances, sleep creeps up on you without your knowledge. Moving from the sofa to the bed can almost instantly kill any chance of you continuing to doze off. The bedroom is where you should sleep. Anytime you get in bed, your brain and body already know what is about to happen. On the couch, you’re mentally aware that this isn’t the place to sleep, so when it does happen, it takes you by surprise, and the result is an excellent couple of hours of sleep.

4. A Feeling Of Inclusion And Background Noises

Background noises can assist you in dozing off faster. Couches are found in living rooms. In a house with more than one person, it can’t be quiet all day long. All these activities occurring within the living room can increase the chance of you falling asleep. For people with a fear of missing out, this gives them a sense of inclusion, and they find it easy to nod off on the couch regardless of the noise 

Drawbacks Of Sleeping On The Sofa (cons) 

Though some couches are made for sleeping, most are meant for sitting or casually laying on them. Mattresses and beds are made solely for sleeping on. So, despite the comfortable sleep on the couch, you should not overdo it. 

Below are a few reasons you should not sleep on your sofa longer.

1. There Is Limited Space

No matter the dimensions of your couch, it will by no means fully accommodate you while you are sleeping. Its width or length will continually be an issue. Your bed has the right length to accommodate you as you stretch and the width for rolling and turning. The average person will shift their napping position unconsciously, at least once each hour. And a couch will always be restrictive, and also, you cannot shift positions as you would in a bed.

2. Back And Neck Pain

Frequently sleeping on your couch causes soreness in your back and neck. The couch is not made to offer comfort to your spinal alignment or support your neck. A bed gives your spine the most suitable position to loosen up and not bend or twist as you sleep.

For people who love napping on their stomachs, the sofa can be almost impossible to sleep on without experiencing sharp pains in the neck or back. With your head on the armrest, you can feel your neck twist to an almost impossible angle which can be painful.

Sleeping on your side is the go-to position on a couch. It is comfortable, and you can easily turn from sleeping on your right side to sleeping on your left side. The length from your shoulder to your neck is almost the same as the height of the armrest. This makes it easy on your neck joints, and you can sleep easily. However, prolonged hours will still strain the joints in your neck and back. 

3. Unsuitable For Kids

Toddlers, unlike grown-ups, by no means recognize the risks of falling in their sleep. Even though a grown-up can still fall from the sofa, it isn’t always that common. Infants are very sensitive and can die right away once they fall from a couch. It is advisable to take your child to bed when you notice them falling asleep.

4. You Cannot Bed-share On A Couch.

Most couches are 2 feet wide. The space is big enough to fit a single individual but can be difficult for people who enjoy bed-sharing. Even if the couch fits two people, it is very uncomfortable. 

5. Disturbance

Couches are mainly located in your living room; it is the most visited room in a house. You can fall asleep, but the chances of someone walking in and unintentionally waking you up is very high. Also, when your couch is in the living room, people will be talking, or there will be a television making random noises. You can often fall asleep in a noisy room, but it is not going to be peaceful and quiet.

Is Sleeping on the Couch A Good Idea?

Sleeping on the couch is generally not recommended as a long-term solution for quality sleep. While it might feel comfortable in the short term, there are several reasons why it is not an ideal option. Couches are often designed for sitting rather than sleeping, lacking proper support for your body. This can lead to discomfort, muscle strain, and disrupted sleep patterns.

Couches also tend to have less space, which restricts movement and can lead to a cramped sleep position. Additionally, the lack of a proper mattress and bedding can negatively impact your spine alignment and overall sleep quality. It is advisable to prioritize a comfortable bed with proper support to promote restful sleep and maintain overall health.

How Can You Improve Napping Situations On Your Couch?

When you figure out you get the best sleep on your sofa; you may put in measures to make sleeping better for you. 

1. Get A Sleeper Couch

Sleeper couches fold out and offer you more space to sleep comfortably without the limited space on your normal couch. The mattress on such a sofa can be thinner than the one on your bed, but it is still as comfortable and eliminates neck and backaches. 

2. Switch The Tv Off

With the TV and the couch in the same room, sitting there and not having the TV on isn’t easy. However, if you plan to sleep on the couch, you should try and get comfortable with being on the couch and have the TV off. Televisions emit a blue light that increases your alertness and keeps you glued to the TV screen for long hours. This is why it is also advisable not to have a television in your bedroom.

3. Install Heavy Curtains To Reduce Light And Find A Way To Block Noises.

The living room is an area that has windows to increase the amount of natural light that comes in. If you intend to sleep on the couch in the living room, you should consider ways to reduce the amount of light coming in. Use heavy curtains to reduce the light coming in and earplugs to reduce noise. 

4. Get The Right Pillows And Covers

A comfortable place to sleep is important. Certain pillows or cushions are better than others. Some may be very skinny, causing discomfort and no sleep or soreness. 

If you are sleeping on the couch more often than not, you can have a throw and have it nearby just in case you start dozing off. The cover will protect you from getting cold and help preserve heat to keep you comfortable.

Final Thought

For many people, that nap on your couch is most times one of the best naps you may ever have in your home. It might seem strange for a place you are not meant to sleep to produce such results, but it is common for almost everyone. This is due to the friendly environment, elevation, unawareness, feeling of inclusion, and background noise. 

References:

https://www.businessinsider.com/why-you-fall-asleep-quickly-on-couch-but-not-bed-2022-1

https://yoursapp.com/blog/why-do-i-sleep-better-on-the-couch-than-in-bed/