Some people like to sleep on large, swollen pillows, while others find them uncomfortable. You may be tempted to sleep without a pillow if you often wake up with neck or back pain. There are several benefits to sleeping without a pillow. However, these advantages do not always occur. Sleeping without a pillow can only help if you sleep in a certain position.
The benefits of sleeping without a pillow
Depending on how you sleep, you may feel better after sleeping on a flat surface.
Can it help the way we stand?
The pillows are intended to hold the spine in a neutral position. They align the neck with the rest of the body, which supports good posture. Scientists have therefore not studied how sleeping without a pillow specifically affects the spine. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, sleeping upside down puts your spine in an unnatural position. This is because most of your weight is in the middle of the body. This position adds stress to the back and neck, making it difficult for the spine to maintain its natural curve.
Sleeping without a pillow can keep your head in a flat position. This can reduce some discomfort in the neck. But it does not apply to other sleeping positions. If you sleep on your back or side, sleeping without a pillow can do more harm than good.
Can sleeping without a pillow relieve neck pain?
If you sleep upside down, sleeping without a pillow can reduce neck pain, but there are no genuine studies. Most studies on pillows and neck pain focus on the best type of pillow for pain.
Does it affect the hair?
There is no known link between pillow use and hair health. Therefore, researchers have not researched how sleeping without a pillow affects hair. Some people think that cotton pads absorb natural oils and it is claimed that silk is better.
Although sleeping without a pillow can help people who sleep upside down, research is lacking. It is generally recommended to use a pillow if you sleep on your back or side. However, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and painless in bed.
If you have neck or back pain, or if you have a spinal condition like scoliosis, sleeping without a pillow may be unsafe. Talk to a doctor before removing the pillow.
Sources: Healthline, WebMD
