Sleeping pillows have become an integral part of sleep accessories. Not all people prefer sleeping on pillows. Some individuals would prefer a big fluffy pillow while others find pillows to be uncomfortable.

However, sleeping without a pillow is only possible for certain sleeping positions, for example stomach sleeping and back sleeping for others.

Thus, is it good or bad to sleep without a pillow? Let’s get into it.

Benefits of Sleeping without A Pillow

1. Prevent back pain

For stomach sleepers, using a pillow is not the best idea. The pillow puts stress on the lower back causing arching of the spine.

Sleeping minus a pillow aligns your spine and eases pressure on the lower back. This prevents back.

2. Prevent neck pain

To prevent neck pain, your neck has to be parallel with the mattress. Any other angle will frustrate the neck leading to neck pain.

If you use a pillow, your head raises the neck causing it to be at an angle with the mattress. This creates stress on the neck leading to neck pain.

3. Prevent wrinkles formation

Preliminary studies suggest a possible link between sleeping pillows and wrinkle formation.

A sleeping pillow that is too close to the skin can cause more skin wrinkles. However, sleeping bare is less likely to cause wrinkles.

4. Zero morning headaches

Soft pillows are known to reduce blood flow to the head, causing a drop in oxygen intake in the brain. When this happens morning headaches are a common thing.

Sleeping pillow less allows the normal flow of blood in the brain. Thus, zero morning headaches.

Drawbacks of Sleeping Without A Pillow

1. Poor posture

Sleeping without a pillow keeps the body in an unnatural position. This strains your joints and muscles.

2. Neck and back pain

Skipping the pillow can cause neck pain or make it worse. That’s because sleeping on your back or side overextends your neck. Without a pillow, your neck will stay in this position all night.

3. Mouth breathing

Without a pillow supporting the neck, it may cause you sleeping with your mouth open. It’s pretty dangerous to develop mouth breathing as your drool may choke yourself.

How to Start Sleeping Without A Pillow?

It’s not for everyone, but if you’re feeling the urge to nod off without a pillow, here are some steps you can take to make the transition from having a pillow to not having a pillow.

1. Make gradual adjustments

Start with a thin pillow, rolled up towel or blanket instead of a regular pillow. Once you get used to sleeping with less support behind your head, you can get rid of it completely.

2. Make sure mattress is well supported

If you don’t sleep on pillows, it’s even more important to sleep on a properly supported mattress. Browse our Casper mattresses to find the one that best suits your needs.

3. Use a body pillow

It’s only good to sleep without a pillow if you are a stomach sleeper. But if you’re a side sleeper, hugging an ergonomic body pillow may help your body feel more supported when the headrest is removed.

How to Choose The Right Pillow?

1. Stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers are most comfortable without a pillow. When lying on your stomach, your head flat on the bed is most likely to relieve discomfort in your neck and spine. Turning your head to the side may put some pressure on your neck, but it’s still more comfortable than using a pillow.

2. Side sleepers

Side sleepers may feel uncomfortable without a pillow. When you lie on your side, your shoulders are under the mattress, so your head is lifted off the mattress. The pillow keeps the neck and spine neutral. Without a pillow, there’s no place for your head to rest and it hurts all night. A soft mattress will absorb your body, but a pillow will provide the most support. Side sleepers are advised to use a pillow.

3. Back sleepers

Back sleepers have two options. The most important thing is to have a more comfortable mattress, your body will sink in more, and your neck will be under less pressure if you don’t have a pillow. If you’re lying on a hard mattress, your spine is already straight, which means your head has left the mattress. The pillow will provide support under your head.

Conclusion

Sleeping without a pillow can help some people. It can relieve some spine and neck discomfort and make sleep more pleasant. However, not everyone can leave home without a pillow. Listen to what your body is telling you, think about your sleep schedule, and do what feels best for you.