Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest

Is it better for your back to sleep without a pillow?

  • 20-12-2007 3:41pm
    #1
    NFH
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 293 ✭✭


    I tried sleeping without a pillow the last 2 nights and now my lower back is killing me but maybe this is just a transitional thing, is it better in the long run for you to sleep without pillows?


Comments

  • #2
    NFH
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 293 ✭✭NFH


    Anyone?


  • #3
    Dizzyblonde
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Politics Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators, Regional East Moderators Posts: 12,110 CMod ✭✭✭✭Dizzyblonde


    I wouldn't think so, but I'm not a medical person. I bought kaymed memory foam pillows a few months ago and i great. You don't have to keep turning it over to get comfy, and there's no stiff neck in the morning. I got the mattress too since - you just sink into it and the support it gives your back is wonderful.


  • #4
    Rogueish
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 781 ✭✭✭Rogueish


    If you sleep flat on your back then your whole spine is in alignment without a pillow.

    However most people sleep on their sides so some support under the neck/head is good so that the neck is brought into alignment with the spine.


  • #5
    Capt'n Midnight
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators, Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 93,857 Mod ✭✭✭✭Capt'n Midnight


    Rogueish wrote: »
    If you sleep flat on your back then your whole spine is in alignment without a pillow.
    But you'll snore more and so probably get less sleep.


  • #6
    DrIndy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,461 ✭✭✭DrIndy


    any physio's out there? Not my field unfortunately......


  • Advertisement
  • #7
    Rogueish
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 781 ✭✭✭Rogueish


    When you are flat on your back without a pillow it forces your back into a further curve (extension) placing extra pressure on our lower back, especially if there is an increases thoracic kyphosis.The lowerback must extend to allow the head to rest on the mattress.

    Yes if you are prone to snoring sleeping on your back will increase the likelihood of snoring but I have yet to meet a snorer that kept themselves awake:D. It is usually the rest of the house or their partner that loses sleep.

    Sleeping on your tummy with or without a pillow increases the amount of extension on your lower back which can cause discomfort especially if there is an underlying disc or facet problem.

    Remember you are trying to change the habit of a lifetime. Something that you have done in a similar way for 8 hours every day for probably 20 + years. You body takes time to adjust to a 'new' sustained position.


Advertisement