Sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and the quality of your rest can be significantly affected by the type of pillow, mattress, and other bedding you use. For example, a common question people have is how many pillows they should sleep with to achieve a good night’s sleep.
Having the right bedding can mean the difference between a restful night’s sleep and a night of tossing and turning. Small details can play a significant role in how well you sleep.
How Many Pillows to Sleep With
The most common number of pillows recommended by sleep experts is one to support your head. This support is vital to avoid neck pain and waking symptoms. However, everyone has an adapted sleep position, and the preferred sleep position can determine your ideal number of pillows.
For example, side sleepers often have one pillow to support their head and another pillow between their legs to support their spine. Side sleepers may also have an added pillow to hug as they sleep. Back sleepers usually use one pillow to help their head, and stomach sleepers may not need a head pillow but can benefit from a pillow underneath their hips to even out their spine.
When it comes to how many pillows you should sleep with, it depends on personal preference, as long as it is not hurting your body and causing pain in your neck and spine.
Is it okay to sleep with two pillows?
Regarding sleeping with two pillows, it is more than okay to sleep with one, two, three, or even four pillows. However, research found that people who sleep with more than four pillows tend to have an average sleep score of 4% lower than sleepers with one pillow and toss and turn more than average.
What happens if you don’t sleep with a pillow?
Sleeping without a pillow can be uncomfortable, negatively affect your posture, neck, and back pain, and even cause wrinkles on your face as your skin is not adequately supported.
Additionally, not having a pillow may cause further discomfort due to an awkward sleeping position.
How often should you throw out pillows?
Regarding pillow replacement, it depends on the type of pillow you have and how frequently you use it. Generally, replacing a pillow every 1-2 years is recommended, ensuring it is clean, free of allergens, and well taken care of to ensure its longevity. If the pillow is only used occasionally, it may last longer.
When replacing a pillow, make sure you look for one that is comfortable and provides the right amount of support.
What is the healthiest sleeping position?
The healthiest sleeping positions are on your back and on your side. The first helps to keep the spine in a neutral position and minimizes the stress and strain on your neck and back. Next, use a pillow to support your neck and head. Make sure you use a soft, comfortable pillow that provides enough support.
In addition to sleeping on your back, you can also sleep on your side. This position can help reduce snoring and lower back and neck pain.
To ensure your spine stays in a neutral position, use a pillow to support your head and neck. It’s also essential to use a pillow that is soft and comfortable but provides enough support.
Which material pillow is best?
The proper selection of a pillow can reduce pain and improve the quality of your sleep. There are many types of pillows to choose from, such as rubber, memory foam, down, and latex. A study supported that rubber pillows are recommended to manage waking cervical pain and improve sleep quality and pillow comfort.
Memory foam pillows provide good support to the neck and head and are very comfortable. Down pillows are suitable for those who want a soft, fluffy pillow, but there may be better choices for those with neck and shoulder pain. Latex pillows are highly resistant to dust mites and are supportive and comfortable.
The best material pillow will depend on the individual’s needs. Try different types of pillows until a comfortable one is found.
It is also essential to keep in mind the pillow’s density and its ability to provide support.
How to know if your pillow is bad
We’ve all been in a situation where we feel like something is wrong with a pillow, mattress, or even a blanket, but can’t exactly pinpoint why.
If your pillow is causing discomfort or has been in use for more than two years, it’s likely time to replace it.
Signs that a pillow is nasty include lumps, sagging, or an inability to retain its shape. You may also notice that your pillow has lost its softness or fluffiness. If you experience neck or shoulder pain or if you wake up with headaches, it could be a sign that your pillow is no longer providing the necessary support.
In all situations, it is safer to switch pillows when discomfort is experienced.
