Many Cultures Don't Use Mattresses — Here's What They Sleep on Instead

Not everybody sleeps on a typical mattress. Read this blog post to discover the different types of beds around the world.

It's easy to assume that most people sleep on soft, comfy mattresses like yours. The truth is the U.S. and other western cultures are outliers in the bed world. In other cultures, it's often the norm to use alternative beds. Chalk this up to changing socioeconomic factors, preferences and long-standing traditions. Traditional western beds tend to run pricier with their expensive frames and mattresses.

Many international sleepers also avoid traditional western beds. The reasons are they take up a lot of space and are usually difficult to move around. Also, many types of beds in the western world are too soft by international standards. They don't provide enough back support.

Intrigued? Read on to find out more about the most popular alternative beds around the world.

Here's what you'll find in this blog post:

• India: The Charpai

• Japan: The Futon

• China: The Kang Stove Bed

• South America: The Hammock

• Conclusion

The charpai has a footed frame, measuring up to 4 feet in length and width. Handwoven ropes or fabrics make up the top of the bed. It's widely known as the rope bed.

People sleep on these rope beds without any pillows, blankets or mattresses. The point is to increase ventilation and reduce humidity. And if you think about it, these are what often disrupt a peaceful night's sleep.

Futons typically measure 3 to 4 inches in height. It's possible to find them in a variety of sizes to suit modern lifestyles. But tradition-wise, these beds are a single-person sleeping unit.

The furnace contains hot coals to keep sleepers warm and cozy. This is especially helpful during the harsh northern Chinese winters.

The kang bed is a general sitting area for the family during the day. At night, all beddings go back on for sweet slumber.

In the west, most people use a hammock for rest and relaxation. But it's primarily used for sleep in different parts of South America. That said, the way different cultures across South America use hammocks varies.

In El Salvador people sleep in hammocks to protect themselves from earthquakes. But in Brazil or Venezuela, the hammock is a work of fine art and creativity.

Vast jungles surround other South American countries. People have to take necessary precautions to fend off insect attacks.

They suspend hammocks in these areas a few feet or more above ground. This keeps sleepers both safe and comfortable.

So, now you know more about the different beds around the world. Makes your box spring mattress feel a little dull, huh? If so, you’re not alone.

But here's the truth. It’s common for international sleepers to thrive without a traditional mattress.

Luckily all the alternative bed types listed above are still in active use today. Why not reach both your sleep and travel goals in one fell swoop by giving them a try?

Want more sleep trivia? Then read these:

• 10 Animals That Get Their Sleep in Weird Ways

• 5 Surprising Reasons Your Dog Should Sleep In Your Bed Every Night

• Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Sleep* (*But Were Afraid to Ask)

Enjoy!