Sleeping with 2 pillows could be harmful to your health - find out why experts are warning against it!
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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before making any changes to your health regimen.
As we nestle into our beds at night, seeking the comfort of a restful sleep, many of us don't think twice about the number of pillows we use.
However, it turns out that this seemingly innocuous choice could have significant implications for our health. Dr. Samantha Spiegel, a physical therapist with a growing following on social media, has sounded the alarm on a habit that's all too common and potentially harmful: sleeping with two pillows.
In a video that has captured the attention of over 388,200 viewers, Dr. Spiegel warns against the “two-pillow syndrome,” a term she coined to describe the tendency of stacking two pillows under the head while sleeping.
This practice, she argues, is not just about comfort—it's reinforcing poor posture that many of us develop during our waking hours.
Our modern lifestyle, with hours spent hunched over smartphones and computers, has led to a widespread issue known as forward head posture or “tech neck”.
This is the very posture that Dr. Spiegel cautions against, as it can lead to a condition colloquially known as a dowager's hump—a rounded upper back that can become permanent over time.
When we prop our heads up with two pillows, we're essentially elevating the “floor” to meet our forward-leaning heads, allowing our necks and spines to settle into this unhealthy curve rather than stretching back into their natural alignment.
Supporting Dr. Spiegel's advice, scientific research has shown that pillow height can significantly affect spinal alignment.
A study examining various pillow heights found that higher pillows can increase the cervical spine's angle, exacerbating the forward head posture and straining the neck.
Conversely, lower pillows help maintain a neutral spine position, reducing the risk of muscle and joint stress.
Interestingly, the concern over pillow height isn't new. In Japan's Edo period, the elite used high “Shogun pillows” to preserve elaborate hairstyles, but these pillows have since been linked to increased risks of vertebral artery dissection—a condition that can lead to stroke.
Dr. Spiegel recommends switching to one flat pillow to allow the spine to extend naturally. For those who find this uncomfortable, she suggests using a rolled-up towel for minimal support.
She acknowledges that transitioning away from two pillows can be challenging for some, especially for individuals who experience discomfort when lying flat.
For those not yet ready to give up their second pillow, Dr. Spiegel offers a simple stretch to help improve posture over time.
Standing with the back against a wall, shoulders pulled back, and head gently brought toward the wall without arching the spine can gradually encourage better alignment. A rolled-up towel can be placed behind the head for those needing extra support.
Despite Dr. Spiegel's advice, some viewers remain hesitant to abandon their two-pillow habit, citing reasons such as acid reflux or neck tension leading to migraines.
Source: @samspiegs / Tiktok.
Dr. Spiegel clarifies that while two pillows may not be the root cause of poor posture, they do contribute to maintaining the problematic shape.
Also read: Say goodbye to back pain with these sleep positions – you won’t believe #3!
Have you experienced discomfort or health issues that you think might be related to your sleeping habits? Are you considering making a change based on Dr. Spiegel's recommendations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
As we nestle into our beds at night, seeking the comfort of a restful sleep, many of us don't think twice about the number of pillows we use.
However, it turns out that this seemingly innocuous choice could have significant implications for our health. Dr. Samantha Spiegel, a physical therapist with a growing following on social media, has sounded the alarm on a habit that's all too common and potentially harmful: sleeping with two pillows.
In a video that has captured the attention of over 388,200 viewers, Dr. Spiegel warns against the “two-pillow syndrome,” a term she coined to describe the tendency of stacking two pillows under the head while sleeping.
This practice, she argues, is not just about comfort—it's reinforcing poor posture that many of us develop during our waking hours.
Our modern lifestyle, with hours spent hunched over smartphones and computers, has led to a widespread issue known as forward head posture or “tech neck”.
This is the very posture that Dr. Spiegel cautions against, as it can lead to a condition colloquially known as a dowager's hump—a rounded upper back that can become permanent over time.
Physical therapist Dr. Samantha Spiegel warns against using two pillows for sleeping, as it can reinforce poor posture. Image source: Malgorzata Smozewska / Pixabay.
When we prop our heads up with two pillows, we're essentially elevating the “floor” to meet our forward-leaning heads, allowing our necks and spines to settle into this unhealthy curve rather than stretching back into their natural alignment.
Supporting Dr. Spiegel's advice, scientific research has shown that pillow height can significantly affect spinal alignment.
A study examining various pillow heights found that higher pillows can increase the cervical spine's angle, exacerbating the forward head posture and straining the neck.
Conversely, lower pillows help maintain a neutral spine position, reducing the risk of muscle and joint stress.
Interestingly, the concern over pillow height isn't new. In Japan's Edo period, the elite used high “Shogun pillows” to preserve elaborate hairstyles, but these pillows have since been linked to increased risks of vertebral artery dissection—a condition that can lead to stroke.
Dr. Spiegel recommends switching to one flat pillow to allow the spine to extend naturally. For those who find this uncomfortable, she suggests using a rolled-up towel for minimal support.
She acknowledges that transitioning away from two pillows can be challenging for some, especially for individuals who experience discomfort when lying flat.
For those not yet ready to give up their second pillow, Dr. Spiegel offers a simple stretch to help improve posture over time.
Standing with the back against a wall, shoulders pulled back, and head gently brought toward the wall without arching the spine can gradually encourage better alignment. A rolled-up towel can be placed behind the head for those needing extra support.
Despite Dr. Spiegel's advice, some viewers remain hesitant to abandon their two-pillow habit, citing reasons such as acid reflux or neck tension leading to migraines.
Source: @samspiegs / Tiktok.
Dr. Spiegel clarifies that while two pillows may not be the root cause of poor posture, they do contribute to maintaining the problematic shape.
Also read: Say goodbye to back pain with these sleep positions – you won’t believe #3!
Have you experienced discomfort or health issues that you think might be related to your sleeping habits? Are you considering making a change based on Dr. Spiegel's recommendations? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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