Sleeping Without a Pillow: Benefits and Disadvantages03:56

Sleep is such an important part of every person’s health. And something as small as rolling over the wrong way or laying an awkward position, could lead to sleep problems. Some people even end up in a lot of pain the next day.

For this reason, you may want to consider sleeping without a pillow to get a more natural sleeping position. Below you will find all the information you need to decide what kind of pillow you want or if you should just forgo the pillow altogether.

Can A Pillow Affect Your Sleep?

According to Dr. Mandell, the answer is a resounding Yes. A pillow can definitely affect how you sleep. If your spine is out of alignment or your neck is unsupported, you may end up experiencing some pain while you are asleep or after you wake up. Any time that you experience pain, it is hard to get comfortable enough to fall asleep.

Then when you finally manage to do so, it will most likely be a restless sleep. For this reason, it is important that you have the correct kind of support. Not getting enough deep, restful sleep can wreak havoc on both your mental and your physical well being.

Types of Pillows

( 1 ) Memory Foam Pillows

Memory foam reacts to body heat and pressure, which means that it adjusts to your shape for a great mix of comfort and support as it allows your shoulders, neck, and head to rest in a natural position. They will also continue to move as you move around in the night so that no matter how you lay, you have the support to not wake up stiff and sore.

( 2 ) Down Pillows

Down pillows are the softest pillow on this list. Down pillows are made with the undercoat of the waterfowl, which is a very fluffy material. While the cushy, light feel can be very comfortable, especially for stomach sleepers, they do not provide very much support and therefore can cause neck and back pain problems.

( 3 ) Feather Pillows

Feather pillows are another very popular pillow known for how soft and lightweight they are, though some people are allergic to the feathers. The small round feathers are able to provide cushion, durability, and flexibility. With feather pillows, you get much of the softness that comes with the down pillow while still getting some support. However, they do need to be shaken and fluffed regularly.

( 4 ) Micro-bead Pillows

Micro-bead pillows are filled with small round beads made of polystyrene, like the beads that you might find in a bean bag or in a travel or neck pillow. The beads are able to provide airflow in case you tend to get hot at night. The beads also provide very good support that conforms to your head and neck like memory foam; only it is harder for those who like a little bit of a harder pillow.

( 5 ) Latex Pillow

Latex pillows are a great option if you deal with allergies or if you suffer from chronic neck or back pain. Latex is free from all harmful chemicals, resists mold and mildew, helps prevent bed bugs, and lasts for a long time. Latex does great at providing head and neck support, but it is a bit of a firmer surface.

( 6 ) Body Pillows

Body pillows can be made from a wide variety of different materials; in fact, you would most likely be able to find one in any of the above materials. The main difference is the shape. These pillows are usually 54 inches or more long so that they can support your entire body while you sleep.

For instance, you could place a body pillow in between your legs to support your hip and lower back, or a pregnant woman could use one to keep weight off of her belly.

What Are The Benefits Of Sleeping Without A Pillow

Disadvantages Of Sleeping Without A Pillow

Is A Flat Pillow Better For Your Neck?

When you are considering what kind of pillow you need to support your neck, it can be a little bit tricky. If you get a pillow that is too high up, it can prevent your neck from being able to fully relax throughout the night, leading to you having a stiff neck in the morning.

On the other hand, if the pillow is too flat, it will not offer any support. Memory foam pillows are often a great option for neck support and comfort as it reacts to pressure to create a good height and support level.

Did Early Humans Sleep Without Pillows?

The first recorded use of pillows is all the way back around 7000 BC in Mesopotamia, so there were early human civilizations that did use pillows. However, in Mesopotamia, only the wealthy used pillows, and they were probably not used across every ancient civilization.

Benefits of Sleeping On A Good Pillow

Sleeping on a good pillow can make a world of difference for your posture. If you are a back or a side sleeper, having the right amount of support to keep your neck in alignment with your spine is vital for a restful night and painless morning. If your pillow is too soft, while you may enjoy the feeling, it will end up doing more harm than good in the long run. For this reason, if you are a person who needs a pillow, it is vital that you find the right one.

What Is The Healthiest Pillow To Sleep On

The healthiest kind of pillow to sleep on is a pillow that is firm enough to offer support but can also mold to your body to provide the unique support that your neck and spine need. Of the pillows mentioned above, a memory foam pillow, latex pillow, or micro-bead pillow will best be able to provide you with what you need.

Best Kind Of Pillows By Sleeping Position

Back Sleeper

If you are a back sleeper, it is important that you keep your neck level with the rest of your spine, or else your neck will be over extended and will cause pain. The best way to accomplish this is by getting a thin pillow that will contour to your body that will fill the space between your neck and mattress. You can also go without a pillow under your head if you get one to go under your cervical.

Stomach Sleeper

If you are a stomach sleeper, you may find that a pillow forces you to twist your neck to one side, forcing your spine out of alignment. As a result, stomach sleepers can best benefit from not using a pillow at all to help their spine stay as close to in alignment as possible.

If you do not find sleeping without a pillow comfortable, you could also get a thin pillow. It is important to note that experts such as Dr. Mandell say that it is best to avoid stomach sleeping altogether.

Side Sleeper

Finally, side sleepers need a pillow that will support their neck and keep the spine straight. For this reason, it is not typically recommended that side sleepers go without a pillow.

How To Pick The Right Pillow?

There are two questions you need to consider when trying to pick the right pillow. First, how much support do you need? The more support that you need, the firmer the pillow should be. Second, do you need support anywhere else on your body? For certain kinds of aches and joint pains, pillows supporting other sports than your head can be extremely beneficial.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether or not you should use a pillow depends a lot on your specific situation. In the end, the most important thing is that you are able to get a restful, full night’s sleep on a regular basis without experiencing any pain.

If you find that a pillow allows you to do that, use a pillow. However, if you find that you sleep better and feel better without a pillow or with a thinner one, now is a great time to make the change.

To learn more ways to get better sleep, read the articles below: