[engrByDayPianstByNight (OP)]

Hi,

    My post has actually two parts:

    1) why will we humans feel uncomfortable if we sleep without a pillow? How does the pillow help in terms of soothing brain activities while asleep?

    2) I wonder if other animals (perhaps more specifically, primates) have been observed to use pillows in their sleep? If so, is there some kind of evidence to correlate the intelligence of a brain with the use of pillows? Maybe a zoologist can help with this one?
   
    Thanks.

   

[BenV]

Many primates build nests, but I'm not sure if any use pillows.  Good question!

[Karen W.]

Double ditto... it is a very good question and I can't help wonder if it has to do with the arch in our neck between the cranium and the spine at the upper shoulders. I can't help wonder if the space or arch there is less in a primate or other animals.
I also wonder if this varies just because of simple weight of the head and possibly the need for a pillow or support for humans.... in comparison to others.

My dog will wad his bedding until he has a pillow like lump to set his head on. On my bed he will come lay on the pillow for his head rest. On the floor he prefers to sleep with his head upon my feet or on a pair of shoes or any other material he can find such as his stuffed toys etc.
That of course is strictly an observation on my part.

[OldDragon]

I have also observed dogs gathering bedding to form a pilloe, using a cushion or one of my pillows, and also using a companion dog as a pillow. []

[Karen W.]

Yep on the companion dog also.... bigger brains more intelligence isn't that the general rule of thumb? heavier brain needs more support eh.. maybe??? Lol...