Sleeping without a pillow Is it bad for your health?

Sleeping without a pillow: Is it bad for your health?

Sleeping without a pillow: Is it bad for your health?

Pillows are a common feature on our beds, but have you ever wondered what might happen if you sleep without a pillow?

You might have thought at some point that pillows don't really serve any purpose. In fact, perhaps you've woken up with a sore neck and thought it might have been better to rest your head directly on the mattress. However, we'll tell you now that the pillow is a key factor if you want to enjoy restful sleep and avoid long-term health issues.

However, it's important to choose wisely, and there are some exceptions where you can do without it if you prefer. Just like with the mattress or bed base, finding the ideal pillow for you is crucial; not all pillows are suitable! You need one that, aside from being of good quality, suits your needs.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves! In this article, we'll tell you how to choose the ideal pillow for you, but first, let's consider what might happen if you sleep without a pillow, what this resting accessory is for, and in what situations you can indeed sleep without one. Stay with us and take note of all the key points!

What Happens If I Sleep Without a Pillow?

For most people, a pillow is essential for maintaining a natural sleeping posture. This sleeping accessory helps maintain proper body posture and relaxes the body, preventing strain on the neck and cervical muscles. Therefore, sleeping without a pillow could lead to two main problems:

  1. Neck and Cervical Strain: Sleeping without a pillow or using one that lacks the appropriate height or firmness can put extra pressure on the neck and cervical muscles as they support the weight of the head.
  2. Acid Reflux: Sleeping with the mouth at the level of the stomach makes it easier to experience acid reflux and involuntary regurgitation, which can even disrupt sleep and rest.

What Is a Pillow For?

The primary function of a pillow is to help maintain a proper sleeping posture, what experts call "neutral posture". That is, one where the neck and spine are aligned without tilting or curving.

Neutral posture is essential for deep and restorative sleep. It's also ideal for maintaining the health of our neck, shoulders, and back because it allows the muscles to relax.

Most experts agree that a pillow is essential for maintaining this correct posture in bed, although there are some exceptions as we'll see next that depend on the type of mattress used, sleeping position, or how much you move around in bed.

When Can I Sleep Without a Pillow?

Although it's generally recommended to use a pillow, there are some exceptions where sleeping without one wouldn't be harmful. Let's take a look:

  1. People who sleep on their back on a pressure-relieving mattress: In this case, a pocket spring or memory foam mattress could promote neutral alignment without the need for a pillow.
  2. Stomach sleepers: Although it's important to clarify that this position is least recommended to avoid aches and injuries, it's true that a pillow can be uncomfortable and hinder breathing. However, we reiterate that this position isn't recommended precisely because it forces the sleeper to turn their head, breaking the natural alignment of the spine.
  3. Lightweight individuals: The lighter you are, the less pressure you exert on your cervical spine, and the less necessary a pillow becomes.
  4. Children: Children have more flexible spines, so a pillow isn't as crucial. However, it's always recommended to use one.
  5. Newborns: Infants should never sleep with a pillow during the first two years of life as it could impede proper breathing.

How to Choose a Good Pillow for Sleeping

While a pillow is a fundamental support for enjoying restful sleep and caring for our muscular health, it's important to emphasize that sleeping without a pillow can be as bad as using one that isn't suitable.

When buying your pillows, it's important to consider that there are no superior options to others. There are different types of pillows that cater to different needs. To find the most suitable option for you, don't miss our article on which type of pillow to choose!

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