Is there a downside to sleeping without a pillow?
Sleeping Without a Pillow?
In the constant struggle to improve our sleep quality, we often find ourselves contemplating the pros and cons of sleeping with a pillow. Like all things, sleeping without a pillow has its benefits and drawbacks. However, the disadvantages often outnumber the benefits with compelling impacts.
Broadly, the decision or sleeping without a pillow depends on how you sleep and which side you sleep on at night. Most people find it extremely uncomfortable to sleep without elevating their head, and side sleepers always sleep better with a pillow tucked under their heads as it helps them keep their spine straightened.
This article will walk you through some drawbacks of sleeping without a pillow to help you understand the importance of a sturdy and plump pillow.
Here's everything you need to know about sleeping without a pillow:
Discomfort for Side Sleepers
People who have a habit of sleeping on their side often find it extremely uncomfortable to sleep without a pillow. It gets very inconvenient, and they continuously must use their arms and hands to support the head, leading to numbness and reduced blood circulation in the arms. Moreover, sleeping on the side without a pillow can also disrupt the spine’s posture and positioning.
Many others find themselves tossing and turning in a bid to relieve the stress and anxiety created by thoughts that continuously fill up their mind. It is important to exhaust all these reasons and find a cure for the problem that is making you toss and turn in bed.
Life-threatening Diseases
Many patients who suffer from a wide range of chronic and life-threatening ailments are advised to sleep with their head slightly raised. These diseases include glaucoma, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux, congestion in the lungs, heart failure, and being at risk for an ischemic stroke.
Excessive Snoring
Medical science regards excessive snoring as a breathing or respiratory disturbance. Individuals who sleep on their backs often tend to sleep with their heads resting backward, facilitating snoring and tongue retraction. However, sleeping without a pillow can cause a great deal of discomfort.
Risk Factors of Osteochondrosis
Sleeping without a pillow on a flat surface is one factor that contributes to the development of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine. Individuals who sleep on the side are strongly advised to use a pillow because this position requires them to keep their heads in an elevated position. Even back sleepers are not recommended to give up the pillow due to the risk of multiple spinal disturbances.
Cerebral Blood Circulation Disturbances
Sleeping flat on one’s back without the comfort of a pillow can cause terrible headaches. These aches commonly occur because of disturbances in the circulation of blood towards the vertebral arteries.
For more detailed information about creating a bedtime habit, refer to our extensive research on 4 Steps to Lead a Healthy Lifestyle page.
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