This popular sleeping habit can put your vision and spine at risk, doctors warn
Which sleeping position is dangerous (photo: magnific)
Sleeping on two pillows may seem comfortable, but for many people, this habit can cause serious problems with vision and spinal health.
The BMJ Journal explains why this position is dangerous, as explained by RBC-Ukraine, citing research in the BMJ Journal.
Which sleeping position is dangerous and why
Scientists have found that an excessively elevated head position significantly increases intraocular pressure, which is especially dangerous for people with glaucoma.
Although elevating the head may provide temporary relief for heartburn, sleep apnea, or nasal congestion, for glaucoma patients, it can be a real trap.
It was found that sleeping on two stacked pillows at an angle of 20 to 35 degrees leads to increased pressure inside the eye in two-thirds of patients.
This can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading over time to irreversible vision loss.
How neck bending blocks fluid drainage
The mechanism behind this danger is quite simple: when you raise your head too high, the neck bends unnaturally.
This compresses the jugular veins, preventing proper fluid drainage from the eyes. As a result, fluid accumulates inside the eye, creating excess pressure.
Interestingly, the highest risk was observed among young people under 44. In them, intraocular pressure increased significantly more than in older participants in the study.
While scientists do not yet have a unified opinion on the ideal sleeping position for glaucoma, they warn against using high stacks of pillows without medical necessity.
How to find a healthy balance for spine and vision
Most sleep specialists recommend using only one pillow. This ensures natural alignment of the spine and neck, minimizing the risk of pain and morning discomfort.
If you suffer from back pain, experts suggest a safer alternative to using a second pillow under the head.
Instead of placing a second pillow under the back of your head, put it under your knees. This helps maintain proper spinal alignment and reduces strain on the lower back.
For those who medically need to keep their head elevated, wedge-shaped pillows or raising the head of the bed itself can be a good alternative.
However, doctors emphasize that comfort should remain the main priority, as quality sleep is the foundation of full-body recovery.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
