Is It Safe To Sleep On A Bed Of Nails?

A bed of nails is a surface made up of many sharp spikes or nails that point upwards. The term bed of nails is often used metaphorically to refer to an extremely difficult or painful situation or experience, like “living with chronic illness is like lying on a bed of nails” (Cambridge Dictionary).

However, in a literal sense, a bed of nails is made of hundreds or thousands of sharp nail points positioned close together and sticking straight up to create a lying surface. These beds of nails are associated with certain spiritual practices and stunt performances where individuals appear to lie comfortably on the perilous platform of spikes.

History

The bed of nails has its origins in ancient India, where it was used by Hindu fakirs and yogis for religious worship and ascetic discipline. According to Wikipedia, the first accounts of ascetics lying on beds of nails are from the 12th century CE. The practice was thought to demonstrate spiritual invulnerability and transcendence of the physical body.

Fakirs and yogis would use the bed of nails to meditate for hours or even days. The nails were believed to stimulate pressure points in the body, helping the ascetics achieve an altered state of consciousness. Though lying on a bed of nails appears dangerous, the weight of the body is distributed across all the nail points so no single area bears the brunt of it.

How It Works

A bed of nails works based on the physics principle of spreading out force over a wider area. According to Wired, it takes around 100 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure to puncture human skin. When you lie on a bed of nails, your weight gets distributed across hundreds or thousands of nail points. This means that only a tiny amount of pressure is applied to each individual nail. As long as the nails are spaced close enough together, the pressure never builds up enough at any one point to break the skin.

The same principle explains how a person can lie on a bed of nails and have someone stand on top of them. The weight of the person standing gets spread out over all the nails, so no single nail exerts enough force to cause injury. Balloon and nail bed experiments demonstrate this concept visually. When you place a nail on top of an inflated balloon, the balloon doesn’t pop because the nail’s force gets distributed over its sharp tip’s tiny surface area. But if you press down on the nail’s blunt end, the force focuses on one small point, allowing the nail to pop the balloon.

Perceived Dangers

One of the most common fears people have about sleeping on a bed of nails is the possibility of being impaled by the nails. The thought of laying your body down onto hundreds or even thousands of sharp nails can seem terrifying. However, this fear is largely unfounded if using a properly constructed bed of nails.

The key principle that allows someone to lay on a bed of nails without injury is pressure distribution. When a person lays on a bed of densely packed, evenly spaced nails, their weight gets evenly distributed across all of the nail points rather than focused on just a few. This prevents any of the nails from having enough force applied to puncture the skin. As long as the nails are short enough and close enough together, the chance of impalement is virtually zero.

There is a brief moment of perceived danger when initially lying down on the nails or getting back up, as one’s weight is temporarily supported by fewer points. However, as long as you lower yourself gently and evenly, staying relaxed, the risk of getting impaled by a nail is minimal. Over time, your confidence in the mechanics involved should override any initial fear.

Physical Effects

Sleeping on a bed of nails can temporarily leave indentations in the skin, similar to waking up with creases on your face from sleeping on a wrinkled pillowcase. The degree of indentation depends on the amount of pressure applied and duration of contact. According to Wikipedia, the temporary marks occur because the nails “concentrate force into a small area” [1]. However, these indentations are harmless and disappear shortly after getting off the nail bed. Some practitioners claim the temporary markings provide therapeutic benefits related to acupressure and improved circulation, but more research is needed to substantiate those theories. Overall, sleeping on a nail bed does not appear to cause any lasting damage or scarring of the skin if done safely and correctly.

Psychological Benefits

Many acupuncture practices promote relaxation as one of its key benefits. While lying or sitting on a bed of nails, the pressure points on the back stimulate the body’s self-healing tendencies and release tension (Olsson, 2011). Most people report feeling calmer and more relaxed after a session on the nails. The physical discomfort is believed to distract the mind from wandering stressful thoughts.

Studies also show benefits for sleep after using a bed of nails. The deep pressure stimulation helps relieve muscle tension, resulting in better sleep quality at night. Users say that just 15-20 minutes on a nail bed relaxes the nervous system. The feeling of letting go is similar to meditation states (Source).

Notable Examples

One of the most well-known bed of nails acts was performed by Harry Houdini, who brought the stunt into the public eye in the 1920s. Houdini would invite audience members to examine the bed of nails to confirm its authenticity before lying down on it himself. According to the Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum, Houdini introduced the “portable nail bed” as part of his show in 1920, amazing audiences by lying on the bed of nails and even letting audience members stand on his stomach while he was lying on the nails.

Another iconic bed of nails performer was Blondin, who was featured at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditoriums lying on a bed of nails with a 400-pound block of ice on his chest. This act of endurance and pain tolerance fascinated audiences.

Painproof man Mirin Dajo also famously performed a bed of nails act where he pushed a fencing sword down his throat all the way through his body into a bed of nails below. His shocking stunt was verified by doctors but remains controversial today.

Female performers like Mickey Hargitay would also perform nail bed stunts, showcasing that women could tolerate the pain just as well as men. The bed of nails has mystified audiences for decades when performed by great showmen and showwomen seemingly impervious to pain.

Trying It Yourself

If you want to try sleeping on a bed of nails yourself, there are a few options available for purchase online. The most popular kit seems to be the Original Bed of Nails Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set. This set includes a mat with 8,820 acupressure nails as well as a small pillow with 1,782 nails. The nails are made from plastic and the mats from cotton and polyester. The nails are approximately 1/8 inch long.

To use a bed of nails, simply lie down on top of the mat and place the pillow under your neck if desired. The company recommends starting slowly at first, laying on it for 5-10 minutes per day and gradually increasing the time as you get accustomed to the sensation. They advise not to exceed 20 minutes per session. The nails should be pointy side up and some sources recommend lying down barefoot and barebacked to experience the full effects. Be sure to avoid pressing down forcefully into the nails, instead allowing your body weight to gently rest on the points.

Other kits are also available such as the Original Premium Bed of Nails on Amazon, which contains 10,962 nails. This provides a denser nail bed for advanced users. Always carefully read and follow the instructions provided with any kit prior to use.

Mythbusting

Lying on a bed of nails has long been associated with death defying magic tricks and fakirs performing bizarre feats for crowds. As a result, several myths and misconceptions have emerged about beds of nails over time. Let’s separate fact from fiction.

Myth: Lying on a bed of nails does not hurt at all.

Fact: While less painful than lying on a single nail, a bed of nails does cause discomfort and temporary feelings of pins and needles. The sensation is comparable to a massage that is too intense (Wikipedia). The body’s weight gets distributed evenly across all the nails, reducing pain.

Myth: Anyone can safely lie on a bed of nails.

Fact: It takes practice to lie on a bed of nails without injury. Novices need training to spread their weight evenly and minimize sudden movements. With practice, the body learns to distribute weight across all nails. Attempting it without experience can lead to puncture wounds (Wired).

Myth: Lying on nails has mystical powers.

Fact: While historically associated with mysticism, no scientific evidence proves supernatural benefits from nail beds. Any health claims lack rigorous study. Perceived benefits likely result from the placebo effect (Wikipedia).

Conclusion

In summary, sleeping on a bed of nails can be relatively safe if used properly with caution and care. The nails should not pierce the skin when lying still, and movement in your sleep should be minimized. While the benefits are still debated, some proponents cite reduced pain, stress relief, and better sleep. However, more research is still needed, so approach with skepticism. It’s likely not as mystical or magical as claimed, but may provide a novel psychological boost. Overall, sleeping on nails seems generally safe for most people, with potential but unproven benefits. Approach with reasonable expectations.