Sleeping Without A Pillow Vs With A Pillow - Which Is Right For You?

March 23, 2018

We’ve been trained since we were young to assume that sleeping with a pillow is ideal. Some of us know what we like or what kind of pillow works best for us, but most of us probably only have a vague idea of the perfect pillow. Too many Americans spend far too many restless nights clinging to pillows that provide little to no comfort, yet many of us avoid the effort of searching for a better alternative. Today we’re weighing in on the debate between sleeping without a pillow or with a pillow.

Pros & Cons Of Pillows

First—pardon the pun—let’s examine both sides of the pillow. It’s easy to see why we’d want to sleep with them. They’re comfortable! Right? Well, kind of. Pillows usually feel great when you first settle into bed, but you may still have difficulty getting to sleep. As you toss and turn, your pillows may lose their shape, their support, and often become too hot.

The Bad News

For some, pillows can also:

• Deform your sleeping posture
• Put your neck and back under strain
• Restrict airflow and circulation to your head

Any combination of these three issues can leave you with a headache, a stiff neck, or just plain exhaustion the next morning.

The Good News?

Of course, the right pillow can easily solve any of these issues as well! The trick is to find the pillow that’s right for you. That’s not as easy as it sounds, and it will be slightly different for everyone. The proper level of support, the right material(s), and other factors are all important to consider. But don’t settle! Cheap pillows are cheap for a reason. If you’re going to invest, invest in quality sleep.

Sleeping Without A Pillow

Do you remember your first pillow? That’s a bit of a trick question. You probably didn’t even have one. Sleeping with a pillow is not recommended for children under 2 years old because they are more likely to suffocate. So, for most of us, we start out sleeping just fine without a pillow, but we probably can’t remember it. Other than babies, people with regular neck and back pain can sometimes benefit from sleeping without a pillow to regain their natural sleeping posture. However, if you suffer from chronic issues, it’s always best to seek the help of a professional before taking matters into your own hands.

If you think you might benefit from sleeping without a pillow vs sleeping with one, you might want to consider a gradual transition. Fold a towel or blanket to give your head a slight elevation. Experiment with different levels until you’re sleeping with nothing at all. Or, if you’ve been suffering from stiff neck or an unexplained headache, try a night without the pillow and see how it works for you.

Your Perfect Pillow May Be From Swift

Settle the debate once and for all with the Swift Pillow! After years of research and manufacturing, we’ve crafted what might just be the perfect pillow for you. Featuring our proprietary blend of shredded polyurethane foam in a Cooler® fabric outer layer, the Swift Pillow can keep your head and neck correctly aligned, cool and comfortable—all night long.

The Swift Pillow is just a part of the Swift Bed system. Be sure to explore our innovative Mattress and Foundation as well. Shop now and receive free shipping!

---

Also in Blog