Is There a Downside to Sleeping Without a Pillow?

Have you ever wondered if a pillow is an integral sleep accessory? The question of whether sleeping without a pillow is good raises a lot of debates. Some pillow brands, such as Derila, are recommended for easing neck, shoulder, or back pain. 

The pillow is made from memory foam. The material is known for its ability to change shape under pressure and return to its original shape, providing extra head and neck support. This feature sets it apart from conventional pillows that often cause head slanting. However, at more than $30, you may weigh the Derila pillow price against potential alternative solutions.

Ditching a pillow is one of these alternative solutions. But it is crucial to practice caution before adopting a pillowless sleep trend. Our guide will help you understand if there is a downside to sleeping without a pillow.

What are the Benefits of Sleeping Without a Pillow?

The main purpose of a pillow is to support the head and maintain the natural curvature of your spine and neck. This allows for a comfortable sleep that reduces the risk of back and neck pain. A pillow also soothes headaches and helps with snoring. 

But this depends on how you sleep. Some sleepers find that a pillow affects their comfort. Here are some benefits of sleeping on a flat surface.

Improves Posture

Your preferred sleep position impacts posture. If you prefer sleeping on your stomach, you will turn your head to one side, putting stress on the neck. Hence some stomach sleepers are more comfortable without a pillow.

Side and back sleepers require a pillow for proper spinal alignment. However, side sleeping has the largest gap between the head and pillow. Back sleeping is easier and has less pressure on the neck. However, it leaves a small gap between the neck and the mattress. 

Forgoing a pillow can maintain neutrality in these sleep positions. It reduces neck stress and promotes better alignment. 

Relieves Neck and Back Pain

A pillow alleviates the back and neck stress of sleeping in the same position. However, some stomach sleepers experience relief when they sleep on a flat surface. Plusher mattresses allow back sleepers to settle into a comfortable position. Otherwise, a pillow causes the head to tilt too far, causing stress to the neck and upper back.

Prevents Wrinkles and Hair Damage

Sleeping on the stomach or side can cause wrinkles by compressing the face’s skin. Lying on a flat surface limits conforming, and you will experience less skin impressions. 

Pillows can cause hair damage due to friction and natural oils absorption. For acne-prone individuals, a clean pillowcase prevents bacteria, dirt, and oil buildup from clogging pores. However, a long-term solution is to ditch a pillow. 

What are the Drawbacks of Sleeping Without a Pillow?

Pillowless sleeping may not be suitable for everyone. Some of the reasons you should not give up your pillow include:

It Hinders Breathing

Sleeping with a pillow supports your head. For back and side sleepers, it allows airway opening and makes it easy for them to breathe when sleeping. The head and neck constrict without a pillow, increasing snoring risk and aggravating sleep apnea symptoms.

You may Experience Numb Arms or Shoulder Pain

Discarding a pillow may lead to sleeping on your arm. The weight of your head lying on your arms may lead to numb arms or stiff shoulders.

Conclusion

Head and body pillows ensure neck and spine alignment in a neutral position. However, forgoing a pillow for most side and back sleepers leads to poor posture and health issues. Sleeping without a pillow is more beneficial for a stomach sleeper. If you choose to go pillowless, ensure to adopt a gradual transition. This gives you time to get used.