Answer

Jain monks and nuns live with very strict simplicity, so they do not sleep on comfortable beds like householders.

Their sleeping arrangements differ between Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions.

Śvetāmbara Monks and Nuns

Śvetāmbara sādhus and sādhvīs generally sleep on the floor or on a very simple surface. They may use limited monastic items permitted by their tradition, such as:

• a simple mat or cloth bedding, depending on the rules of their gaccha or order,
• simple cloth for covering the body,
• basic protection from cold, within the limits of non-possession.

They do not use luxurious beds, soft mattresses, or comfort-based bedding. Any item used is meant only for basic bodily support, not pleasure or attachment.

Digambara Monks

Digambara muni rules are much stricter regarding possessions. A Digambara monk traditionally does not keep a bed, pillow, mattress, or blanket as personal possessions.

He sleeps on the ground or a very simple natural surface, with great restraint and detachment. Since Digambara munis do not wear clothes, they also do not use blankets in the ordinary sense.

Digambara āryikās, who are nuns, do wear simple white clothing, and their conduct is also very austere. Their permitted items and sleeping arrangements follow the discipline of their tradition, but they too avoid comfort, luxury, and attachment.

Pillow and Blanket

In general:

• Pillow: Jain monks and nuns do not normally use pillows for comfort.
• Bed: They do not use household-style beds or mattresses.
• Warm blanket: Śvetāmbara ascetics may use simple cloth protection in cold conditions if permitted by their monastic rules. Digambara munis do not keep such items as possessions.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of such simplicity is not self-punishment. It is to reduce:

• attachment to comfort,
• dependence on possessions,
• carelessness caused by luxury,
• identification with the body.

In Jain Dharma, ascetic life is based on aparigraha — non-possession — and tapas — spiritual austerity. Even sleep is practiced with awareness, restraint, and detachment.

Takeaway

Jain monks and nuns sleep very simply. Śvetāmbara ascetics may use limited simple cloth or bedding according to monastic rules, while Digambara munis follow an even stricter path and do not keep beds, pillows, or blankets as possessions. The main aim is to live with minimum needs and maximum detachment.