Photo: Ron Lach

Is it OK to sleep without a pillow?

Sleeping without a pillow can help some people who sleep on their stomach, but it is not a good idea for everyone. People who sleep on their side or back will usually find that sleeping without a pillow puts pressure on their neck. By doing this, it can ruin a person's quality of sleep and lead to neck and back pain.

medicalnewstoday.com - Sleeping without a pillow: Benefits and risks - Medical News Today

How can I lose weight fast and cheap?

These budget-friendly, and sometimes totally free, expert tips will help you lose weight and save money. ... Here are 6 tips on how you can lose...

Last updated May 22, 2019

Can edibles make you lose appetite?

“There is an interesting connection developing between THCV gummies and weight loss. In small doses, it appears that this cannabinoid helps to...

Last updated Apr 1, 2020

Promotion

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. Some people may find that sleeping without a pillow has benefits, but it is not a good idea for everyone. The type of pillow that a person uses can affect their quality of sleep. Using the wrong one can cause sleep loss and physical aches, such as neck or back pain. In this article, we look at the role of a pillow during sleep and explain the risks and benefits of sleeping without one. We also offer advice on choosing the right pillow and provide some general tips on improving sleep quality. Benefits of sleeping without a pillow Share on Pinterest Sleeping without a pillow may affect a person’s quality of sleep. Poor posture during the night interferes with a person’s quality of sleep and can lead to aches and pains during the day. The individual might also experience neck or back pain when they wake up. Pillows are important because they keep the head aligned with the neck and backbone during sleep. If a person’s spine or neck is not in a neutral position, they may wake up during the night, causing sleep loss. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the goal should be to keep the head in a neutral position. In this position, it rests squarely on the shoulders and is neither too far back nor too far forward. Neck and back pain People who sleep on their stomach may benefit from sleeping without a pillow, but it is not a good idea for everyone. Stomach sleepers often find that using a pillow puts stress on their lower back. It can do this if it pushes their head too far back, leading to an arching of the spine. Sleeping without a pillow can align the spine during sleep, helping ease back or neck pain during the day. Alternatively, using a very thin pillow may help. Wrinkles Studies have shown that pillows can compress the skin during sleep, particularly in people who sleep on their stomach or their side. Over time, this can lead to sleep wrinkles and contribute to the visible signs of aging. Sleeping without a pillow can stop the face from scrunching up during the night. However, for people who sleep on their side or back, it can also contribute to spinal problems. Other ways to help reduce wrinkles include: avoiding sun exposure

stopping smoking, if relevant

How to remove belly fat?

Trimming the fat Eat a healthy diet. Focus on plant-based foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and choose lean sources of protein...

Last updated Nov 30, 2020

What is the number one food that burns fat?

1. Fatty Fish. Fatty fish is delicious and incredibly good for you. Salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel and other oily fish contain omega-3 fatty...

Last updated Oct 14, 2018

Promotion

eating a healthful diet

moisturizing daily Acne There is no evidence to suggest that sleeping without a pillow can improve acne. However, bacteria can make the skin condition worse, so it is advisable to wash all bedding regularly. Hair There is no evidence to suggest that sleeping without a pillow is good for the hair. Risks Sleeping without a pillow can help some people who sleep on their stomach, but it is not a good idea for everyone. People who sleep on their side or back will usually find that sleeping without a pillow puts pressure on their neck. By doing this, it can ruin a person’s quality of sleep and lead to neck and back pain. Tips for improving sleep Choosing the right pillow can help people improve their sleep. The National Sleep Foundation advise people to select a pillow that suits the way they sleep: Stomach sleepers Instead of using no pillow at all, stomach sleepers could try using a very thin pillow to ease the stress on their neck. They could also try sleeping on their side, hugging a large body pillow to maintain the feeling of slight pressure on the stomach. Back sleepers Back sleepers tend to appreciate a thinner pillow that stops the head from being thrown too far forward. A memory foam pillow or one with a thicker bottom and a thinner middle will cradle the neck and help keep it aligned. Sleeping with another pillow under the knees can help ease any pressure on the lower back. Side sleepers Side sleepers should choose a firm pillow with extra depth to help support the head and bridge the distance between the ear and the shoulder. Sleeping with a pillow between the knees can also help align the spine more effectively. Learn more about side sleeping here. General tips to improve sleep include: waking up and going to sleep at the same time every day, including at weekends having a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as having a warm bath or reading a book

How do I know if I have menopause belly?

Changes in your body's hormones and rapidly shifting moods are common, and you may notice weight gain around your midsection. Some people refer to...

Last updated May 1, 2018

How much water should you drink to avoid dehydration?

The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that an adequate daily fluid intake is: About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters)...

Last updated Dec 6, 2021

Promotion

avoiding napping during the day

exercising daily

making sure that the bedroom is cool, quiet, and dark

using a comfortable mattress

avoiding cigarettes and alcohol

avoiding heavy meals before bedtime Learn more tips for improving sleep here.

medicalnewstoday.com - Sleeping without a pillow: Benefits and risks - Medical News Today

What happens to your brain when you take Wellbutrin?

This medication works by improving your mood and your sense of well-being. This is achieved by restoring the chemical balance of dopamine and...

Last updated Mar 11, 2022

Why am I looking thinner but not losing weight?

If you're losing inches but maintaining your weight and you regularly strength train, you may actually be losing fat and gaining muscle. The...

Last updated May 16, 2022

Learn More »

Promotion

Can Zoloft cause you to lose weight?

Regardless of why you're curious, you're right to want to know more about this alleged side effect of Zoloft. It's true that Zoloft can affect your...

Last updated Oct 8, 2019

Promotion

Is Saxenda an appetite suppressant?

Saxenda is an injectable, once-daily medication that works by suppressing appetite. It is 97% similar to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a hormone...

Last updated Apr 2, 2018