Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: latebind on 17/11/2009 15:32:01

Title: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: latebind on 17/11/2009 15:32:01

I was told in school that I should sleep without a pillow as it is good for spine and posture, I was just wondering is this correct?

ADD: the sleeping position is on the back, not sideways or on the stomach.

Title: Re: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: JnA on 17/11/2009 16:20:16

Probably if you just sleep on your back and don't move to your side. Otherwise your head would hang in a awkward position lying on your side and cause some strain.

Title: Re: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: latebind on 17/11/2009 16:24:21

Oh, yes I should clarify that bit, I meant to say "Sleeping on your back"

Title: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: Dimi on 17/11/2009 23:57:36

I find sleeping without a pillow, and myself laying down completely straight to be ultimately relaxing, I wake up very refreshed and I feel very .. just nice :)

Title: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: Dimi on 17/11/2009 23:59:39

I should add straight on my back

Title: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: JnA on 18/11/2009 08:07:39

I suspect you are on a mattress still? Lying flat on your back on a hard (non giving) surface can put some strain on the lower back (depending on how deep the arch is)

Lying in one position for a length of time has it's downside wrt pressure points and circulation.

Title: Re: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: spruce on 10/07/2019 05:24:45

Because no pillow is a pretty serious thing, I'd first suggest starting slowly. Down your pillow size by 20% each week, to eventually go to no pillow at week 5. From week 5 on it's really important to stay hydrated, drink a lot of water. I would also inform your friends, family, and doctor that you are on no pillow, to keep an eye on you.

No pillow really did wonders for me. I got a new job, got new friends, and even got a girlfriend now.
My gains in the gym are insane, everyone asks if I'm on steroids.

Title: Re: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: InTheEnd on 14/11/2019 11:58:33

I sleep pillowless and subsist on acorns, berries, and shrubs, which I make into a thin gruel. My feet have developed a nice, leathery patina to cushion my feet against the boggy forest floor.

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this might just be paranoia, but I sometimes worry that my pillows are conditioning my neck to jut a little farther forward, messing with my posture. Especially when I use 2 or more.

Title: Re: Does sleeping without a pillow improve spine and posture?
Post by: MarieJenkm on 04/09/2022 00:15:53

Sleeping without a pillow may help some people who sleep on their front. It can help keep the spine and the neck in alignment during sleep, easing neck and back pain. It is not a good idea for everyone, though. People who sleep on their back or side might find that sleeping without a pillow causes neck or back pain click here to go.