In our quest for a comfortable night’s sleep, many of us stack two pillows under our heads, believing it offers better support. However, physical therapist Sammy Spiegel warns that this common practice, which she refers to as “two-pillow syndrome,” may be detrimental to our posture and spinal health.
Spiegel explains that prolonged poor posture during daily activities, such as hunching over desks, leads to a forward curvature of the spine. Sleeping with two pillows exacerbates this issue by keeping the head elevated, preventing the neck and spine from realigning into a neutral position during rest.
Over time, this can contribute to the development of a dowager’s hump—a pronounced curvature at the upper back. To counteract this, Spiegel recommends using a single, flatter pillow or placing a rolled-up towel under the neck to promote proper spinal alignment during sleep.
She also advises against mattresses that conform excessively to body curves, as they may reinforce poor posture. By making these adjustments, individuals can utilize sleep as an opportunity to improve posture and support spinal health.
