Why You Should Rethink Sleeping with Two Pillows
Ever find yourself piling up two pillows at night for better comfort? Sleep expert Sammy Jo has some important advice you might want to consider before you keep using that second pillow.
In a recent TikTok video, Sammy, a physical therapist, shared why doubling up on pillows could actually harm your posture and spine.
The Risk of Sleeping with Two Pillows
Sammy Jo’s warning focuses on the potential for worsening a condition called Dowager’s hump, which affects the upper back.
This issue is often linked to bad posture, but it can also result from things like osteoporosis or general wear and tear of the spine.
According to Cleveland Clinic, poor posture over time plays a big role in creating this problem.
In her video, Sammy explains that we naturally lean forward during the day, which creates a curve in our upper backs.
When you lay down with two pillows, your head is lifted too much, which just reinforces that curve instead of allowing your neck and spine to align properly while you sleep.
This can make things worse over time.
How to Correct Your Sleeping Position
Sammy suggests that you try sleeping “flat” and use only one pillow—or a flatter pillow if that feels more comfortable.
She even suggests rolling up a towel to provide extra support for your curve.
Sammy shares that, during physical therapy sessions, some of her patients need two pillows just to lie flat comfortably.
She’s often had to adjust their position to help relieve discomfort.
But she warns that if you let your body remain in a curved position for too long (like when using two pillows), it will make it even harder to straighten up during the day.
The expert also advises making sure your sleep position mirrors the posture you want during the day.
“Use gravity to your advantage,” she says.
If you can tolerate it, aim for a neutral neck and spine alignment that stretches you into a straighter position overnight.
Watch Out for Your Mattress
Another tip from Sammy is to be cautious about mattresses that mold to the shape of your body.
While they may feel comfortable at first, they can reinforce the same poor posture that you carry through the day. “You don’t want to keep conforming to your curves,” she warns.
If you don’t correct that while sleeping, you could end up with long-term issues like a Dowager’s hump or chronic slouching.
A Helpful Stretch to Relieve Neck Tension
If you’re struggling to sleep with just one pillow, Sammy offers a simple stretch to help your neck.
Stand with your back against a wall, bend your knees, and press your lower back into the wall.
Then, try bringing the back of your head to the wall without arching your back.
From there, move your shoulders back and forth in an arch.
If that feels okay, try extending your arms overhead and bringing your hands together.
If you have trouble getting your neck to touch the wall, roll up a towel and place it behind your head for extra support.
Sammy’s Final Advice: Avoid “Two Pillow Syndrome”
Sammy ends the video with a clear message: “Avoid two pillow syndrome.
” It might feel cozy in the moment, but in the long run, your body will thank you for making the switch.
Despite the advice, many TikTok users shared their own pillow habits in the comments.
One admitted to using three pillows, while another said their acid reflux requires two pillows to sleep comfortably. Looks like everyone’s sleep setup is different, but Sammy’s tips could help you rethink how you rest!
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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