Going to bed with a soft pillow is assumed to be one of the most normal things one needs to do – but did you know that sleeping without one might be just as beneficial for your body?
Is there anything as comforting as returning home from a tiring day filled with activities and heading straight to bed with a nice and comfy pillow?
The health and wellness publication Spine Health highlights that pillows have been introduced to form a very specific function when it comes to human anatomy. Its main function is to keep the upper body in alignment during sleep.
This therefore helps to relieve pressure as well as counterbalance the points in the body. “The pillow should adjust to fit one’s unique shape, curves, and sleeping position and alleviate any pressure points,” highlights the above-mentioned publication.
However, many people have now welcomed the idea of sleeping without a pillow. This is especially the case when it comes to stomach sleepers as sleeping with a pillow may lead to their necks being angled in an unnatural position. This ultimately does more harm than good and results in neck stiffness or headaches.
According to an online publication, Sleep Doctor, several benefits come with sleeping without a pillow.
Here are some, as highlighted by the above-mentioned source:
- Relieves neck and back pain – Stomach sleepers can relieve neck and back pain.
- Fewer wrinkles and hair damage – While more research still needs to be done on this, Sleep Doctor highlights that those who prefer sleeping without a pillow may have a reduced chance of having wrinkles or damage to their hair. “Lying directly on the mattress limits conforming, which may reduce skin impressions. However, sleeping on your back eliminates facial skin compression, so it’s the most effective choice for preventing wrinkles,” explains the above-mentioned publication.
- Less acne – Our pillows are prone to harvesting things like dust, sweat, and saliva, making them a breeding ground for bacteria that cause acne. Sleeping without a pillow can prevent this if angled in the correct sleeping position, argues the wellness publication, Chase Sleepcare.
Also see: How often should you wash your pillowcases?
