Why Are European Beds So Hard? Uncovering the Truth Behind the Trend

The European Bed Tradition: Why the Firmness?

Honestly, if you've ever stayed in a European hotel or visited friends in Europe, you’ve probably been surprised by the firmness of the beds. They’re not what you’re used to if you come from the US or other parts of the world, where soft, plush mattresses seem to be the norm. The first time I slept in a European bed, I thought I had made a mistake. I was expecting a soft, cloud-like surface to sink into, but instead, it felt more like sleeping on a wooden board.

So, why are European beds so hard? It’s not a random choice; it's deeply embedded in the culture. Europeans, particularly in countries like Germany, Italy, and Spain, tend to prefer firmer beds. Why? Well, it’s all about posture, health, and a long-standing cultural approach to sleep comfort.

Health Benefits: Supporting Your Spine

You might be wondering, "How could a hard mattress possibly be better for my health?" Well, here's the thing: Europeans have long believed that a firmer bed supports better posture. This belief is rooted in the idea that firm mattresses align the spine better, reducing the risk of back pain over time. It’s not just a myth, though. Some studies suggest that a firmer mattress may help prevent back problems by providing more support, especially for people with chronic back pain.

In fact, when I was staying in Germany last year, I talked to a local friend, Tom, who swore by the firm mattresses. "You just wake up feeling straight," he said, looking at me like I was crazy for being used to a soft mattress. I wasn’t so sure at first, but after a few days, I actually felt my back pain decrease. Could the Europeans be onto something? Maybe.

Soft vs. Firm: What’s the Real Difference?

Okay, now let’s talk about comfort. In many parts of the world, people are used to soft, memory foam-like mattresses that contour to your body. But Europeans are more inclined toward mattresses that offer more resistance. Honestly, it’s not necessarily that one is “better” than the other—it’s more about what your body is accustomed to.

For example, when I first tried a European-style bed, I hated it. I was so used to sinking into a soft mattress that I felt like I was sleeping on a hard floor. But after a couple of weeks of using it, I noticed my body had started adjusting. It wasn’t the "comfy" feeling I expected, but there was something strangely supportive about it. Maybe it's just a matter of preference—soft for indulgence, firm for support.

The Middle Ground: Hybrid Mattresses

Now, here's a fun fact: There’s actually a middle ground here. Hybrid mattresses have become popular in Europe as they combine the best of both worlds—firmer support with a plush, softer top layer. These have been growing in popularity in countries like France and the UK, giving people the option to adjust their comfort while still respecting that European preference for a firmer base. I tried one once in a Parisian Airbnb and, let me tell you, it was a game changer.

Cultural Influence: A Historical Perspective

Honestly, European bed firmness doesn’t just come from modern health trends—it’s deeply influenced by historical and cultural factors. Europeans have traditionally valued simplicity in their living spaces, and that includes their beds. The idea of “hardness” has often been linked with durability and longevity. Back in the day, people slept on simple wooden frames with little more than a blanket, which is quite a contrast to the soft, plush mattresses we’re used to today.

Interestingly, countries like France and Italy have a long tradition of using firm bedding materials—sometimes even straw-filled mattresses or wool-filled cushions. This has always been part of the idea of "roughing it" just a little, which was seen as both practical and healthy. It was only relatively recently that soft, foam-filled mattresses became mainstream in other parts of the world.

The Modern European Sleep Culture

Well, now it’s not just about history. In today’s Europe, the whole culture around sleep is viewed differently compared to the US or other regions. Many Europeans place a high value on good sleep hygiene—keeping a consistent schedule, avoiding heavy meals before bed, and, of course, choosing the right bed. In countries like Sweden and Denmark, where they embrace the "hygge" lifestyle (a feeling of coziness and contentment), a firm mattress is often paired with high-quality sheets and pillows to create a comfortable, balanced sleep environment. And I can’t lie, after trying it myself, it’s surprisingly effective.

Is a Harder Bed Right for You?

Alright, so after all this, you're probably wondering: is it time to ditch your soft mattress and go for something firmer? Honestly, I’d say it depends on what your body needs. If you have back issues, a firmer mattress could be the solution. If you like to sink into your bed, feeling cozy and enveloped, then maybe the European trend won’t suit you.

The key here is to find what works for you. Some people are so used to soft beds that switching to a firm one can feel like torture. Others—like Tom—swear by it, claiming it gives them a better night's sleep.

Conclusion: The Hard Truth About European Beds

So, there you have it. European beds are hard because of tradition, health beliefs, and cultural preferences. While it might not be for everyone, the idea behind firm mattresses is grounded in the belief that support and alignment are crucial for a good night’s sleep. And who knows? Maybe it’s worth giving a firmer bed a shot to see if it works for you. I did, and it changed my perspective—although I’ll never give up my fluffy pillow.

But hey, next time you're in Europe, try a local bed and see for yourself. You might just find that Europeans know something we don't!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.