This is my mattress. There are no springs inside. I can't overstate how hard it is. Sleeping on it at night is identical to sleeping in a sleeping bag on a linoleum floor (the sleeping bag representing the sheets, not the mattress). But before you pity me too much, you should know that these are standard in China.
After talking with a number of Chinese students here, I've discovered that most Chinese people consider hard mattresses better for your health than soft ones. One student told me that once his sister's back was hurting, and the doctor told her the problem was she was sleeping on a soft mattress. Once she changed to a hard mattress, her back was healed.
Some students I talked with said they have spring mattresses at home, but even they still thought that hard mattresses are better for your health--even if they are less comfortable. According to the students I talked with, all the Chinese students here sleep on hard mattresses in the dorms. At home some have spring mattresses, but the majority opinion in China is that hard mattresses are best for your health.
How have I coped with it, you ask? I still wake up at least once a night with numbness in my legs or arms. My nerves aren't used to it yet, I guess. I had a severe backache one day so that I couldn't even wear a backpack.
But I'm getting used to it. I look forward to going to bed. It just takes some getting used to. I'll let you know if I experience any of the health "benefits" they talk about.
Ouch, I can feel the pain all the way here! It's not like you have a lot of padding on your body to cushion you a bit! Might be worth it to run to walmart and get one of those egg-crate things....or even a cheap comforter to lay on top of the mattress. Ok, Ok, it's the mother in me coming out again!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great weekend. We had a good time in Colorado with the 'Nonken' girls. It was in the mid 70's. Came home last night....today's high here in KS is only around 40. Expecting snow this evening or tomorrow.
Love ya!
I should share this blog post with my cousin, Esau. We would go to "granny camp" when we were younger and my granny would make me, Sonny, and our cousin Lacey sleep on the floor at night and our cousin Casey could sleep on the couch. She said it was better for our backs to sleep on a hard surface. My cousin Esau said that there was not logic behind that statement. Now it seems legitimate.
ReplyDeleteThe question now is whether she wanted us girls to be in better shape than our male cousin.
Also, I agree with your mom. You probably would benefit from getting something soft to put between you and the mattress. Sleeping on a hard surface might be good for your back one night, but maybe not every night.