Going Pillow-less: Is Sleeping Without A Pillow A Good Idea?

Are you one of the few ones who cannot sleep with a pillow on the head?

Some people prefer having two to three pillows, but others actually like sleeping in a straight line.

The use of pillows started around 10, 000 years in Mesopotamia region. People made use of blocks to ensure that their heads are elevated while sleeping.

Egyptians in the ancient times place their heads on a ceramic stone. They do this not only to secure the head at a nice angle and be able to sleep well, but also to avoid the creepy crawlies that might get inside the eyes, mouth, and ears.

Chinese people make use of stone or wood pillows, apart from ceramics, while the Romans and Greeks use pillow made of cloth which are stuffed with straws and feathers.

All sounds uncomfortable, right?

But, this info all point out to one fact: People from before were constantly in search of ways to improve their comfort level while sleeping.

But for those who sleep without pillows, is it safe? Is it okay?

Is it better to sleep with or without a pillow?

Read on to find out..

Five Benefits Of Sleeping Without A Pillow

Below is a list of advantages for those who does not like sleeping with pillows.

1. It Keeps Your Spine Aligned.

If you do not sleep with pillows, you will be able to maintain your natural position. This is good for the spine because it allows your body to rest properly without compromising the natural curves. Making use of thick pillows can be bad for the spine.

2. It Reduces The Probability Of Developing Wrinkles And Acne.

Without your face being squished against a pillow, your face will be lesser prone to developing wrinkles. Well, at least, by this sense. The pressure will only cause breakdown of collagen that can reduce skin’s elasticity.

Additionally, not using pillows can also reduce your chances of developing acne. Accumulation of dirt, dust, and oil on your pillow can easily be transferred to your skin when sleeping. If you have been experiencing acne, kissing your pillows goodbye might be a good idea.

3. It Improves Your Sleep Quality.

Pillows are known to have quality sleep, but only if you are using the right pillow. Simply put,  having no pillow eliminates that potential issue. Apart from that, sleeping without a pillow places your body in a more relaxed position.

A lot of people have problems in falling asleep. Sometimes, their sleep quality is quite poor that it gets interrupted easily. The end result is a cranky and tiring morning. When this happens regularly, it can lead to cognitive issues involving memory loss and concentration problems and emotional issues  often reflected as irritation or crazy mood swings. Physical issues like headache and many more are often associated, as well.

4. It Relieves Neck Pain.

Neck and shoulder pain is a problem with pillows, as well. Similarly, you might notice a huge reduction in neck pain when you wake up if you stop using pillows.

When you sleep without a pillow, it displaces some area along the neck and the spine. Thicker pillows or using too many pillows  can be culprits for this. Misaligned spine every night might cause you to have severe back and neck pain in the future. Without pillows, your spine and neck are maintained in a normal position.

5. It Lessens Stress.

You might not know it, but sleeping with a pillow on your head can somehow be a reason for your physical stress. Your back and spine experience strain just to make way for the pillow. Apart from the physical stress, the mental and emotional stress of not being able to sleep well can  be too overwhelming. If you find yourself being stressed for no apparent reason, you might need to check your sleeping habits.

There are many possible reasons that will make you think, “Is it better to sleep without a pillow?”. But in all, honesty, it all boils down to personal discernment or choice.

Why Pillows Are Necessary Every Kind Of Sleeper

Every kind of sleeper, though, has their own personal needs. So, using a pillow might be recommended for some. Additionally, for many people, having no pillows is not really all rainbows and butterflies. Some may argue that it actually leads to more back and neck pain. This is due to the fact that it makes your spine fall away from the neutral position. Contrary to statements that using no pillows keep your upper body and your head in proper alignment.

Pillows support your head all throughout the night and have their respective benefits for stomach, side, and back sleepers.

• Back Sleepers

Back sleeping pillows are important for this particular type of sleeper. Without a pillow, the neck will just slump downward. This position restricts the flow of air towards your lungs. Snoring and head, back, neck, and jaw pain are often experienced.

Firm pillows can provide enough support to the neck but this should be soft enough to avoid placing your head too far forward at a bad angle. The pillow should be able to mold around your neck. A good material would be a memory foam pillow. For further stability, an additional pillow between your legs is in order.

• Side Sleepers

Sleeping on your side without any pillow also place your head at an uneven angle. Sleeping with a firm pillow on your head can increase the elevation of your head and lessen the gap between the ear and the shoulder. The proper firm pillows will avoid having your neck to drop sideways.

Again an additional pillow between the knees can prevent possible rotation of the hips when moving while asleep.

• Stomach Sleepers

Thin pillows are beneficial to prevent your head from turning your head from one side to another. Having ac cushion on your head will lessen occurrence of pain at the lower back.

Here is a table of the pros and cons that you can take away from this article:

Comparison Chart Of Using Pillows Vs Not Using Pillows

If under your judgment, the pros of sleeping without pillows outweigh the cons, you might want to start making the shift. Of course, at first, it may seems like a difficult task. But, in reality, it is fairly easy.

How to Sleep Without a Pillow

Gradual transition is in order. If you remove the pillow all of a sudden, it might be too uncomfortable. Of, course it is a whole new feeling for you.

Begin by reducing the size of the pillow you are using. This important step will help ensure you maintain your progress because you are slowly introducing the new practice. It will not be that overwhelming.

First,  going for a folded towel is a good choice. You can adjust it to imitate it to the height of the pillow you are using. Then every week, try to slowly unfold it. Or another option is to try using one pile of clothes and lessen the pieces until your run out.

Additionally, another measure to take is to change your sleeping position, if you are a side or stomach sleeper. To guarantee the health of your spine and neck, sleeping on your back is the best way. On the side, you will need support to your head and neck. And without a pillow, stomach sleeping will just lead to lower back pain. The least harmful position is to lay on your back.

Keep your neck aligned with your spine. Lower down your chin to reduce potential strain on the neck. After a few weeks, you will notice a big change on your mental and physical state.

Are There Available Pillows That Make You Feel Like You Are Sleeping Without A Pillow?

Yes, there are! You can ask a chiropractor for Level Sleep Pillows. These offer increased benefits to the spine like alignment. Some can even stunt the development of wrinkles thanks to the ear holes.

Adjusting this type of pillow is fairly easy. If you have problem snoring, this is a great device to use.

Conclusion

The choice to sleep with or without pillows depends on you. Medical experts have weighed in on the fact that only the person can determine which is uncomfortable or not for them. Our bodies differ from one another, after all. So, how our body reacts to different stimuli will not really be the same to that of any other people we know.

Either sleeping without a pillow or with a pillow offer a wide variety of benefits. But, none of these matters, if the choice is not agreeable with you. If in case, you decide to use a pillow when sleeping, you have to find the right one that is a perfect fit for you. Otherwise, it might only lead to difficulty sleeping and physical pain. If that will be the case, you might, as well, sleep with no pillow, right?