{"id":28541,"date":"2023-06-19T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-19T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/?p=28541"},"modified":"2023-11-22T19:31:08","modified_gmt":"2023-11-22T19:31:08","slug":"sleeping-without-a-pillow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/sleeping-without-a-pillow\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Sleeping Without a Pillow Bad?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In general, pillows are thought to be an essential part of healthy sleep since they can help keep your neck and spine in neutral alignment in bed. Additionally, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/how-to-pick-the-best-pillow\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">good pillow<\/a>&nbsp;should provide support for your head, neck, and shoulders while reducing pressure points, notes&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ascentchiropractic.com\/about-dr-grant\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Grant K. Radermacher<\/a>, doctor of chiropractic at&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ascentchiropractic.com\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Ascent Chiropractic<\/a>&nbsp;in Brookfield, Wisc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there are some people out there who may find that they\u2019re a lot more comfortable&nbsp;<em>without<\/em>&nbsp;a pillow. For instance, people who prefer to sleep on their stomachs or have a medical condition like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/sleep-apnea-guide\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sleep apnea<\/a>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/dealing-with-acid-reflux-at-night\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">acid reflux<\/a>&nbsp;often do better sleeping without a pillow, says Radermacher.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ahead, we\u2019ll explain when it\u2019s acceptable to sleep without a pillow and the times when you should always use a pillow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sleeping-without-a-pillow-pros-and-cons\">Sleeping without a pillow: pros and cons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-benefits-of-sleeping-without-a-pillow\">Benefits of sleeping without a pillow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>So, is it better to sleep without a pillow? The answer is: sometimes. According to Radermacher, there are a couple of benefits when it comes to forgoing a pillow during sleep. These include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/stomach-sleeper\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Stomach sleepers<\/a>, in particular, will find that lying directly on the mattress and skipping the pillow altogether actually keeps their spine in a more neutral position than sleeping with a pillow. This can help improve posture, reduce neck and back pain, and allow them to breathe more effectively.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>As mentioned, skipping the pillow can ease symptoms of conditions like sleep apnea or acid reflux, which can flare up at night.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-drawbacks-of-sleeping-without-a-pillow\">Drawbacks of sleeping without a pillow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can imagine, there are also a couple of negative aspects of sleeping without a pillow. Radermacher lists: &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For most people, going pillow-less leaves the head and neck unsupported, which can lead to pain in the joints and soft tissues in your neck and upper back.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sleeping without a pillow can also contribute to the development of wrinkles and fine lines on your face and neck.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-who-shouldn-t-sleep-without-a-pillow\">Who shouldn\u2019t sleep without a pillow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re considering tossing that pillow aside before hitting the sheets, you should know that there are some groups of people who should always sleep with a pillow no matter what.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-back-and-side-sleepers\">Back and side sleepers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In general,&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/back-sleeper\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">back sleepers<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/side-sleeper\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" target=\"_blank\">side sleepers<\/a>&nbsp;should always avoid sleeping without a pillow, says Radermacher. &nbsp;That&#8217;s because these positions require the spine to be in good alignment each and every night, which ensures that pressure will be off the spine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-people-with-spinal-conditions\">People with spinal conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>People who&#8217;ve been diagnosed with certain spinal conditions should also always sleep with a pillow. These conditions are ones that are particularly sensitive and\/or painful. Radermacher says these can include&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/best-mattress-for-herniated-discs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">herniated discs<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/best-mattress-for-scoliosis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">scoliosis<\/a>. \u201cThese conditions need extra support to maintain proper spinal alignment while sleeping,\u201d he notes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-sleep-without-a-pillow\">How to sleep without a pillow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you understand who should and shouldn\u2019t go without a pillow, there are some tips you can keep in mind for pillow-free sleeping, according to Radermacher. He says:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gradually reduce your dependence on your pillow by starting with a folded blanket or towel and working your way up to sleeping without any head support at all.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If you\u2019re a stomach sleeper, place a pillow under your stomach and pelvis to help keep your spine in a neutral position. If you sleep on your back, stick a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/sleeping-with-pillow-between-knees\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pillow under your knees<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Choose a firm, supportive mattress and avoid soft, saggy mattresses that can wreak havoc on your spine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>At the end of the day, if you\u2019ve been deemed OK to sleep without a pillow, the choice is really up to you, your sleeping preferences, and how you feel most comfortable at night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs\">FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-it-better-to-sleep-with-or-without-a-pillow\">Is it better to sleep with or without a pillow?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you ever wondered, \u201cIs it good to sleep without a pillow?\u201d Well,&nbsp;<em>good<\/em>&nbsp;isn\u2019t quite the right word. While there are some positives of sleeping without a pillow, those benefits are really dependent on certain types of sleepers. Overall, sleeping without a pillow comes down to personal preference, and in your world, maybe it\u2019s \u201cgood\u201d to skip the pillow and feel better while you sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-benefits-of-sleeping-without-a-pillow\">What are the benefits of sleeping without a pillow?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a stomach sleeper (which Radermacher says should be generally avoided in favor of spine-aligning back or side sleeping), you may find that going without the pillow keeps your spine in a better, more neutral position. He says this can help improve posture, reduce neck and back pain, and allow you to breathe more effectively. Dealing with sleep apnea or acid reflux? You may find that omitting your pillow may help reduce symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"saatva-product-slider bg-fuscous-gray text-white\">\n            <p class=\"bg-makara p-4 text-center\">Get comfortable, supportive sleep with these Saatva pillows<\/p>\n    \n            <div\n            class=\"focus:!outline-0\"\n            data-flickity=\"{&quot;wrapAround&quot;:true,&quot;pageDots&quot;:true,&quot;adaptiveHeight&quot;:true,&quot;prevNextButtons&quot;:false,&quot;autoPlay&quot;:5000}\"\n        >\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/the-saatva-pillow\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/latex-pillow-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva latex pillow\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/latex-pillow-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/latex-pillow-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/latex-pillow-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/latex-pillow-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/latex-pillow.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/the-saatva-pillow\">Latex Pillow<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>A core of shredded natural latex, wrapped in a breathable organic cotton cover. Plush and responsive for the perfect head and neck support.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/the-saatva-pillow\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/memory-foam-pillow\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/graphite-memory-foam-pillow-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva graphite memory foam pillow\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/graphite-memory-foam-pillow-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/graphite-memory-foam-pillow-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/graphite-memory-foam-pillow-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/graphite-memory-foam-pillow-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/graphite-memory-foam-pillow.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/memory-foam-pillow\">Graphite Memory Foam Pillow<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>Breathable shredded memory foam and latex core provides contouring support, while advanced graphite technology draws heat away.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/memory-foam-pillow\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva cloud memory foam pillow\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow\">Cloud Memory Foam Pillow<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>A specially engineered blend of shredded gel-infused memory foam and buoyant latex foam offers best-in-class comfort and support.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/cloud-memory-foam-pillow\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                            \n                <div>\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/down-alternative-pillow\" class=\"block\">\n                        <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/down-alternative-pillow-1024x515.jpg\" class=\"w-full aspect-video object-cover wp-post-image\" alt=\"saatva down alternative pillow\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/down-alternative-pillow-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/down-alternative-pillow-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/down-alternative-pillow-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/down-alternative-pillow-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/blog.saatva.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/down-alternative-pillow.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/>\n                    <\/a>\n\n                    <div\n                        class=\"rich-text-level p-8 lg:text-base\"\n                        style=\"--spacing-rhythm: 0.75em\"\n                    >\n                        <h4>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/down-alternative-pillow\">Down Alternative Pillow<\/a>\n                        <\/h4>\n\n                        \n<p>Made from two types of hypoallergenic down alternative fibers, wrapped in 100% organic cotton. Soft, plush, and breathable for cool, comfortable sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n                        <p>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding\/down-alternative-pillow\" class=\"btn\">\n                                Shop Now\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-find-the-best-pillow-for-your-sleep-style-at-saatva\">Find the best pillow for your sleep style at Saatva<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Now you know that in most cases, it is indeed best to sleep with a pillow under your head at night. Saatva offers a wide range of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/bedding?types=pillows+type\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">pillows<\/a>&nbsp;to suit all sleep styles. From<span class=\"tooltip\" data-id=\"27728\">latex pillows<\/span>&nbsp;to<span class=\"tooltip\" data-id=\"27729\">memory foam pillows<\/span>&nbsp;to<span class=\"tooltip\" data-id=\"27730\">down alternative pillows<\/span>, we have something for everyone. All of our pillows are made from high-quality materials and provide excellent support for your head and neck.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In general, pillows are thought to be an essential part of healthy sleep since they can help keep your neck and spine in neutral alignment in bed. Additionally, a&nbsp;good pillow&nbsp;should provide support for your head, neck, and shoulders while reducing pressure points, notes&nbsp;Grant K. Radermacher, doctor of chiropractic at&nbsp;Ascent Chiropractic&nbsp;in Brookfield, Wisc. But there are [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":31231,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[389,384,388,390],"tags":[],"coauthors":[418],"guest":[],"host":[],"class_list":["post-28541","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sleep-health","category-bedding","category-pillows","category-sleep-tips"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28541","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28541"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28541\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31232,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28541\/revisions\/31232"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28541"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28541"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28541"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=28541"},{"taxonomy":"guest","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/guest?post=28541"},{"taxonomy":"host","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.saatva.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/host?post=28541"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}