While some of us are fond of sleeping on a big, comfy pillow, others might not feel the same way. When you wake up with an annoying neck or back pain, the urge to disown your pillow is too strong. If you've grown accustomed to sleeping with a pillow, you'll surely miss its familiar presence at bedtime. We understand the dilemma. Comfort is always the top priority.
Many say that ditching the pillow while sleeping is much better and healthy. Some say a pillow is essential for proper support at night. Well, which is it? Both the facts are actual in some way. But not every scenario fits every person. Allow us to assist you in understanding how sleeping with or without a pillow can impact your rest and well-being.
Should You Sleep Without A Pillow?
Well, it all comes down to what kind of sleeper you are and your preferred posture at night. Let’s answer some burning questions on the subject.
Can You Improve Your Posture by Sleeping Without a Pillow?
What is the purpose of a pillow? It keeps our head and spine in a neutral position. The purpose of a pillow is to align your neck with the rest of your body, promoting proper posture. All we have read so far in articles, blogs, and case studies is finding the best pillow to maintain an appropriate posture.
These have yet to emphasize the effects of sleeping without a pillow. So, if you are looking for proper support and to improve your posture, sleeping without a pillow might not be the answer.
Interestingly, those who sleep on their stomach may find it beneficial to forego a pillow altogether. Yes, as sleeping on your tummy misaligns your spine out of its natural curve.
This is because almost all of your body is in the middle. However, a pillow can strain the back and neck, forcing them into an unnatural curve. Sleeping without a pillow will keep your body flat and align your neck and spine evenly.
But there are better options for other sleepers. If you are a back or a side sleeper, sleeping without a pillow will do you more harm than good, so keep sleeping with your fluffy bedtime pal.
Can You Treat Your Neck Pain If You Sleep Without a Pillow?
Sleeping without a pillow might help stomach sleepers reduce neck pain. When we sleep on our stomachs, our necks are twisted to either the left or the right side for a long time. This awkward position forms while we sleep, and as a result, we might wake up with stiff neck or back soreness.
Sleeping with a pillow, especially one that isn’t supportive, might be more harmful than you imagine. While in this position, using a pillow would only exacerbate the uncomfortable angle of your neck. However, sleeping without one can alleviate the unnatural position and relieve strain on your spine.
However, few solid studies support these claims. Most medical research circles the best pillow for pain. If you are waking up in pain more than often, then you should see a doctor before it becomes chronic.
Sleeping Without a Pillow: Is it Good For Your Hair?
Well, there are many assumptions and lots of talks around this subject. But there hasn’t been any proven study showing any links between using a pillow and your hair health.
The usual facts around this subject are that pillow material might have something to do with your hair. When you sleep on a cotton pillow, the fabric absorbs all the natural oils from your hair, leaves your scalp flaky, and inflicts dandruff.
Furthermore, using a satin pillowcase reduces frizz in your hair compared to using a regular cotton pillowcase. Some claim that silk is even better for maintaining healthy hair. However, using a regular pillow will only significantly impact your hair if you can access a satin or silk pillow.
How is Sleeping Without A Pillow Not Good For You?
Like a coin, this topic has two sides too. If sleeping without a pillow helps you, it might also cause some discomfort. Let’s discuss what they can be:
Poor Posture
Scrapping the pillow while you sleep on your stomach suits your spine alignment. It may not disrupt your natural spine curve, but it will be hard for your back to be in a neutral posture since the weight of almost your entire body is in the center.
If you aim to enhance your posture, especially during stomach sleeping, consider placing a pillow underneath your tummy and pelvis. This simple tip can elevate the center of your body and alleviate strain on your spine, regardless of whether you use a pillow for your head.
Neck Pain
Contrary to popular belief, sleeping without a pillow may not be as beneficial as one might assume. Ditching the pillow might work if you sleep on a thick mattress that is 5 inches high. For those who sleep on their stomachs, ditching the pillow can help keep the neck in a more natural and comfortable position.
But the need to keep your neck twisted to one side will not stop, and it will strain your neck, causing you pain anyway. If you sleep on your side or back, cutting the use of a pillow while sleeping might be even more harmful than sleeping with it. Sleeping on the back and side overextends your neck, so when you sleep with no pillow, your neck will stay in that position for a long time.
Takeaway
Although sleeping without a pillow might also help tummy sleepers, solid research is almost absent. While using a pillow when sleeping on your back or side is commonly recommended, the critical factor is finding a position that promotes comfort and alleviates pain.
Sleeping without a pillow may be harmful if you have a neck or backache or a spine condition like scoliosis. Before deciding to ditch your pillow altogether, consult an expert.
Sources:
Medical News Today: Sleeping without a pillow: Does it help?
Rise: Sleeping Without a Pillow? Here’s What a Sleep Doctor Thinks
Homes & Gardens: Is it good to sleep without a pillow?
