Because they “resist the urge”.
Now that we have mobile phones and computers, we sit less and less comfortably. You can see this happening.
Looking down for long periods of time can cause bad posture, hunched shoulders and even back problems. One problem is called “tech neck”. (Via)
But physiotherapist Samantha Spiegel (@samspiegs) says that doing something at night makes the problem worse. In a TikTok video that’s been watched over 388,200 times, the doctor talks about this problem and gives tips on how to improve your posture.
What sleep habits do physiotherapists recommend avoiding?
Dr. Spiegel warns us about this at the start of the video.
“Be careful of the two-pillow syndrome,” he says.
He says that a lot of people put two pillows under their head at night, which makes their posture worse.
“People ask how to avoid the hump. How do you avoid the ‘widow’s hump’ (the sagging of the upper back and shoulders when you sleep) – can I reverse the hump?” What happens is that we fall into this posture during the day.
This posture is similar to the forward head posture that people adopt when looking at their phones or computers. He then explains why sleeping with two pillows keeps the body in the same position throughout the night.
“It raises the floor up to our head, adapting to our body shape,” Siegel explains. “Instead of letting our neck and spine lie in a straight position.
What do physiotherapists say about pillows and mattresses?
Dr. Spiegel says it’s best to use a flat pillow, which lets your spine stretch naturally. If that isn’t comfortable, he suggests using a rolled towel.
“Many patients need at least two pillows when lying down,” he explains. Sometimes patients need to use more than two pillows because they can’t lie down without feeling uncomfortable.
The science behind cushion height and posture
Dr. Spiegel says that cushion height affects spinal alignment. (Via)
In the study, the researchers tested different cushion heights and found that higher cushions make the angle of the neck spine steeper, push the head forward and make the neck hurt.
Pillows that are lower keep the spine in a neutral position, reducing stress on muscles and joints.
This is not a new idea. In Japan, between the 17th and 19th centuries, rich people used high cushions (up to six inches high), called Shogun cushions, to support their fancy hairstyles. (Via)
But using these pillows can be dangerous. It can increase the risk of a serious condition called vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to stroke. (Via)
A stretch for when you need a pillow
Dr. Spiegel suggests a stretch to improve posture over time.
Stand with your back against a wall, throw your shoulders back and gently move your head towards the wall without arching your spine.
If this is difficult, support your head with a towel.
People who watch the show don’t want to stop using two pillows.
In the comments, some users didn’t want to take the expert’s advice and explained why they use two pillows and what other sleep habits they have.
One user commented, “Reflux won’t let you use less than two.”
Another said they don’t use a pillow at all. “If I don’t use it, I get a headache”.
Another person blamed people staring at their phones for hours on end.
Dr. Spiegel replied, “I’m not saying that’s the cause, I’m saying it’s the form.”