I stopped using a pillow to sleep. This is what followed

So many of us can’t sleep without a pillow, and I happen to be one of them. In fact, I used to carry my pillow bag while traveling for my comfort sleep. However, a few months back, I developed neck pain and after that sleeping comfortably has become a distant dream. 

To manage the pain, I started taking medicine, but that is a temporary solution at best. Thankfully, I found a long term solution as my mother suggested that I stop using a pillow while sleeping as the same worked for her many years ago. 

I took her advice diligently and started sleeping without a pillow. While initially, it was an uncomfortable change for me, but eventually I realised its benefits and now there is no looking back. 

Here’s what sleeping without a pillow did for me

1. Reduced neck and back pain

Do you ever wake up with a sore neck? Or perhaps with a terrible backache? If yes, then you should also stop using pillows while sleeping. It helped me reduce neck pain, back pain and maintain a better posture while sleeping. 

2. Eases headache

I used to get up in the morning with a dizzy spell or a mild headache. Sleeping without a pillow helped me wake up feeling fresh and my headaches also subsided significantly. 

3. Fight acne and wrinkles

Sleeping with a pillow can cause acne or wrinkles because the pillowcase accumulates dirt and oil over time that transfers to the skin. This can clog pores and cause blemishes.

4. Improved sleeping quality

Sleeping without a pillow allows one to be in a natural position and helps the spine, neck and back to rest evenly along the natural curves of the body. Whereas, a pillow can displace your body’s alignment and disturb sleep.

5. Reduces stress and distraction

Sleeping without a pillow helps the body rest in a natural position, reducing neck and back pain. This decreases stress levels and facilitates better sleep.    

Tips on adjusting to life without pillows

You might find it a little hard for you if you have a habit of sleeping on comfortable pillows. Nevertheless, these are the ways you can slowly get rid of the practice:

• You can position a folded cloth underneath your neck when you lay your head down on the bed. The cloth should not be too thick.
• Remember to keep your  head and neck in line with the back.

So, follow these tips and sleep without a pillow to experience positive changes in your health and wellbeing.