Source: Fox News
Summary
New research suggests that sleeping without a pillow may help prevent the development of glaucoma, an eye disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause vision loss or blindness. The study found that eye pressure was higher in glaucoma patients who slept with two pillows compared to lying flat. Dr. William Lu, medical director at Dreem Health, called these findings “interesting and important” and noted that sleep posture can influence intra-ocular pressure in people with glaucoma.
Our Reading
The advice sounds familiar.
This guidance has been heard before, as sleep positions and pillows have been studied for their potential impact on health. The recommendation to avoid sleeping with multiple pillows or in extreme positions is not new, but the specific link to glaucoma risk is a recent development. The study’s findings suggest that sleeping without a pillow can help promote a more neutral neck alignment for some people, especially those who sleep on their backs. However, side sleepers may need a pillow to keep their head aligned with their spine.
Small adjustments in sleep setup can be a simple but meaningful way to support overall health, as Dr. Lu noted.
The key takeaway is “balance and personalization,” and it’s not about eliminating pillows entirely, but about how they’re used and the degree of elevation. As Dr. Tahir said, “What matters most is maintaining proper alignment of the cervical spine, and that varies from person to person.”
And so, the search for the perfect sleep setup continues, with the latest research suggesting that a balanced approach is the way to go.
Author: Evan Null
