The idea that sleeping on the floor when sick speeds up healing is false

How widespread is the taboo?

Across Africa, this belief is as common as eating with your hands. From Nigeria to Kenya, people insist that sleeping on the floor helps you heal faster. Some say the ground “absorbs” sickness, while others believe a cool floor helps lower body temperature, especially during fevers.

Why does this belief exist?

• Traditional healing influence: African cultures have long associated nature with healing, so the earth is seen as a natural cure.
• Cooling effect feels good: A cold floor can feel nice when you have a fever, making people think it’s a cure.
• Coincidence strengthens the myth: If someone sleeps on the floor and gets better, the floor gets the credit instead of time, rest, or medicine.

What is the impact of the myth?

• Delays proper treatment: People may rely on the floor instead of seeking real medical care.
• Worsens health issues: Cold surfaces can make body aches, joint pain, and breathing problems worse.
• Reduces comfort: Rest is key to healing, and a hard floor doesn’t help!

How can we ccombat the myth?

• Science over fear: Healing comes from rest, hydration, and proper care, not the floor.
• Use humor: If floors really cured sickness, hospitals would have no beds!
• Community education: Discuss health facts in churches, social gatherings, and social media.

Bottom line?

The only thing the floor will do is make you colder and stiffer. Stick to proper rest and treatment for real healing!