How to Sleep Without Using a Bed

Medically reviewed by Marc Kayem, MD

Last Updated: December 9, 2024 References

Sometimes sleeping without a bed is necessary; sometimes it's a lifestyle decision. Either way, you can make the experience more comfortable to help you get needed rest. There are several ways to sleep without a bed when you have to, including sleeping in chairs, on the floor, or in a sleeping bag. Other times, sleeping on the floor or in a hammock can at first seem challenging, but can relieve stress on your back, as can sleeping in a recliner. And for the truly adventurous, sleeping while sitting upright can help deepen a meditation practice.

Method 1

Method 1 of 6:

Getting Comfortable Without Your Bed

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It can be hard to get comfortable to sleep when you don't have a bed to lie down in (at the airport, for instance). Sometimes there is simply no feasible place to lie down, so you may have to opt for a chair or sitting against a wall. If possible recline at a 135-degree angle for the most comfort. Avoid sleeping sitting straight up or leaning forward because this may cause undue pressure on your back and neck and it may also contribute to pain in those areas.^{[1]
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Use a pillow. A pillow helps make any unusual sleeping situation better. A travel pillow is best if you have to sit up while sleeping, such as on an airplane. If you're in an airport without a pillow, it might be time to splurge on a pillow at one of the travel shops.^{[2]
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- If you don't have a pillow, you can make one out of any clothing you have.^{[3]
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Often, on short trips, or during unexpected waits (such as in an emergency room), you may not have thought to bring a blanket. If you have a jacket or coat, you can put it over you to provide extra heat. This will help you stay warm while trying to sleep.^{[4]
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Or better yet, use a sleep mask. However, if you are caught unexpectedly needing to sleep without a bed, the likelihood is that you won't have a sleep mask on you. Don't worry, any lightweight, opaque fabric big enough to cover the eyes can help. This method works best if you are lying down or reclining. However, if you must sit, you may need to find something to drape over your head and face, such as a towel, that won't slide down.^{[5]
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Secure your belongings if you are in a public place. If you really want to be able to sleep in a public place, you'll need to secure your belongings. Make sure small valuables are in pockets, or covered in your lap. For larger belongings, such as a duffle bag or suitcase, you may try keeping one foot down in the strap, or placing the luggage between your feet if it isn't too big. If you can plan ahead of time, you can put locks on the luggage. If you are lying down, you may want to use it as a pillow.
- Sometimes, airports have storage lockers you can use. If you are really worried about your belongings, consider this option when available.^{[6]
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- Never sleep in an area where you do not feel safe, especially if you are alone.

Method 2

Method 2 of 6:

Sleeping in a Home Without an Extra Bed

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If there is a couch available, this will often be the most comfortable option after a bed, as you will be able to stretch out. You'll want to make sure you have enough room to sleep comfortably, and you'll want to make sure your head isn't resting at an odd angle because of the couch's arm rests.^{[7]
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Sleep in a recliner. Recline at a 135-degree angle. Anywhere from 135 to 150 is highly recommended for easing back pain. Reclining at 135 degrees is also great for work, as it reduces stress on your back.^{[8]
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Research source} Reclining 135 degrees is halfway between 90 degrees (sitting straight up) and 180 degrees (lying flat). >
If the floor is carpeted, this can already be a cushy solution, especially if the couch isn't comfortable and there are no recliners. If not, try layering blankets to make the floor as comfy as possible. If you know beforehand that you'll be sleeping on the floor, bring your sleeping bag. Also, if the couch isn't quite comfortable because of armrests, you can try taking the cushions off the couch to make a makeshift bed.
Just because you’re sleeping in a recliner or on the couch doesn’t mean you can’t have your favorite pillow or blanket to keep you comfortable. Depending on the recliner you may need additional cushion for neck and back support. If you plan to sleep in the recliner all night, having a blanket can make it feel more restful.

Method 3

Method 3 of 6:

Sleeping Without a Bed While Camping

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1
Use a sleeping bag. A sleeping bag is one of the best way to ensure you get the rest you need while camping. However there are some things to consider when choosing a sleeping bag, including the climate and forecast of the area where you're camping, whether you're hot- or cold-natured, and the amount of padding or waterproofing it provides. You don't want to be camping in a really cold or wet area without a sufficient sleeping bag.^{[9]
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- If you're planning a winter camping trip in a cold climate, make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the degree range you're going to be facing (-40 degrees, for instance). Some sleeping bags are rated for a lower temp than they'll actually stand up to, so it's best to choose a sleeping bag with a rating of at least 10 degrees below what you'll be facing.
- If you're camping in a really wet or rainy place, you'll want to make sure your sleeping bag and tent are waterproof, not just water-resistant. Water-resistant materials only keep out the water to a certain point. Waterproof materials should keep you dry.
- A sleeping bag with hydrophobic down is the best at keeping you warm in wet conditions.
- The "mummy-style" sleeping bag, or a sleeping bag that tapers at the end, is the best choice for staying warm, as it isn't as spacious as a rectangular sleeping bag, and thus is easier to keep warm with body heat.
Sticks and stones can make for a very unpleasant sleep when camping. You'll want to go over the area carefully, and remove all debris. Even the tiniest twig or pebble can disturb some people's sleep. You may want to choose an area that is layered in pine needles for extra cushion.
Cushioning such as sleeping mats or a cot can help you get good rest, as it will keep you from having to lie directly on the cold, hard ground. Sleeping platforms such as inflatable pads or foam pads often provide the support you need.^{[10]
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Don't forget a pillow. Using a pillow will help to keep your upper body in alignment when you are sleeping, and it may also help to prevent pain in your neck and back from undue pressure.^{[11]
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Research source} A pillow will also help your sleeping bag feel closer to home and provide cushion and support for your neck and head while you sleep. With all the logistics that sometimes go into camping, it can be easy to forget your pillow, but if you want a good night's rest while camping, you'll have it on hand.^{[12]
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- If you do forget your pillow, try rolling up some clothing or other soft materials to use as a pillow.

Method 4

Method 4 of 6:

Sleeping in a Hammock

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Spreader bars make a hammock less stable and more likely to flip. A good hammock shouldn’t flip with you inside it. There are plenty of sturdier and more comfortable options available including nylon hammocks.^{[13]
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Although this is traditional idea of a hammock, it is not very comfortable. As with any rope, it can chafe the skin. The longer you stay in a rope hammock, the less comfortable it will be.^{[14]
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You should choose a hammock that is four feet longer than your height. As for your weight, you should check the label to see what a hammock’s weight limits are. Using a hammock whose weight limit is less than your weight will make the hammock more likely to rip.
You need two sturdy points from which to hang the hammock. This can be two trees, two sturdy posts (that are correctly anchored), or a hammock stand. Keeping the hammock hang points even will make the hammock more comfortable, and you won’t find yourself in an awkward position when you get in.^{[15]
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Let the hammock hang loosely. Don’t pull it tight. When you pull the hammock tight, it can be confining and uncomfortable. Letting it hang loose will make it more comfortable for sleeping.^{[17]
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- If it is too loose, you’ll know, as it will hit the ground when you’re lying in it.^{[18]
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Make sure that the hammock is securely attached to sturdy supports and that it is not frayed or damaged in any way. Try pressing down on the hammock a few times to see if it feels sturdy before you get into it.
Once you are at this angle, you should be able to rest easy for hours. This move will help you lay across the curve of the hammock rather than in it. This is the opposite of what happens when you pull the hammock too tight.^{[19]
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Method 5

Method 5 of 6:

Starting a Routine of Sleeping on the Floor

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1
Try sleeping on the floor a few days before making up your mind about it. If you want to sleep on the floor as a lifestyle choice, then you might want to try it out a few times first. It takes time for your body to adjust to the new position and the absence of a soft mattress. You may be uncomfortable for the first few days, but after that you should get used to it. You may even wake up feeling refreshed once you’re in the routine of sleeping on the floor.^{[20]
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- In some cases, sleeping on the floor might be a necessity, such as if you do not have a bed.
2
Use a yoga mat or other thing cushion between you and floor. In the beginning especially, you may want some type of cushion to help you transition from the bed to the floor. A yoga mat is great for this because it is already designed for you to lay down on at length and provides a slight cushion between you and the floor.^{[21]
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- You can also provide some cushioning for yourself by placing a few doubled up blankets on the floor.
While you might have another preferred sleeping position when in bed, the best position for the floor is on your back. Otherwise, you won’t get the benefit of the back support the floor provides. Sleeping on your side while on the floor may cause back pain.^{[22]
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Method 6

Method 6 of 6:

Starting a Routine of Sleeping Upright

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The angle should be slightly less than 90 degrees (70 is fine) to help you transition to sleeping fully upright. You can attain this angle by placing a board against the wall and stabilizing it or with a foam wedge (like those used in yoga or to raise the angle of your bed). The angle should be almost upright to get the closest to actually sleeping upright.^{[23]
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When beginning to sleep upright, padding can ease the transition. This can be as simple as pillows and blankets. You can also use an extra-thick yoga mat and a pillow.^{[26]
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You can use additional cushions or other back aids for this purpose. You need lower back support to sleep upright comfortably. It defeats the purpose of sleeping upright (to sleep with good posture) to avoid back support (until you can sleep upright without any support).^{[27]
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A J-pillow or a neck pillow will help your neck stay upright when you’re first learning to sleep upright. Without proper neck support you may find yourself dealing with severe neck pain when you wake up or a crick in your neck. Just make sure to keep your neck from slouching or leaning too much to one side.^{[28]
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More important than trying out a new position is making sure you’re getting enough rest. There are severe long-term health risks associated with not getting enough quality sleep. If sleeping upright just doesn’t seem to work after a few days, go back to your previous method of sleeping.^{[29]
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Although sleeping upright can be a rewarding experience for some, there are some risks involved, especially if you sleep for a long time with your legs bent. DVT is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. It is the formation of a blood clot in one or more of the deep veins in your body, usually the legs. Sitting still for long periods of time is a risk factor for DVT. You can prevent a DVT by stretching legs and shifting positions every few hours.^{[30]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Is sleeping in a chair better if you tend to snore at night?

Marc Kayem, MD
Sleep Specialist
Dr. Marc Kayem is a board certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California. He practices and specializes in cosmetic services and sleep-related disorders. He received his Doctorate in Medicine from the University of Ottawa, is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology, and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of Canada.

Marc Kayem, MD

Sleep Specialist

Expert Answer

Not particularly. Most people snore because gravity pulls down on the soft tissues in their throat. Their uvula, tongue, or tonsils tilt back and cause a blockage that triggers snoring. Sleeping upright doesn't really change anything here since the soft tissues will still be pulled down. Try sleeping on your side if you're having trouble with snoring at night.

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If you tend to snore at night, try sleeping on your side. Sleeping in an upright position doesn’t have much of an impact on snoring.^{[31]
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Marc Kayem, MD
Otolaryngologist

Expert Interview. 24 October 2019.}

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The more you sleep like this, the more comfortable it gets. Some people downright enjoy doing this!

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You can make a comfortable bed with rugs, pillows, and coats. People will enjoy this!

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Warnings

If you are having trouble sleeping or having back pains you may need to see a doctor. This article is not meant to replace the advice of a medical professional.

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