Sleeping without a pillow may help prevent glaucoma, according to a new study. Experts said finding a sleep posture suited to each individual matters more than eliminating pillows altogether.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that pillow height directly affects eye health, Fox News reported.
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can lead to vision loss or blindness due to elevated intraocular pressure or optic nerve damage. The research team confirmed that glaucoma patients who slept on two pillows had higher intraocular pressure than those who lay flat.
Sleeping on a high pillow bends the neck forward, compressing veins and reducing blood flow to the eyes. The researchers explained that avoiding sleep habits that create such postures can help prevent symptoms from worsening.
William Lu, director of Dream Health in San Francisco, who was not involved in the study, said, "It is interesting that a simple factor like sleep posture can affect intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients." He added, "This is still early-stage research, and it does not mean pillows themselves are harmful."
"The key is how you use a pillow and how high you prop your head," he said. "You just need to avoid extreme postures that raise the head too high or bend the neck at unnatural angles."
Appropriate pillow use also varies by sleep position. Side sleepers need a pillow to keep the head aligned with the spine. In contrast, some back sleepers benefit from sleeping without a pillow to maintain a neutral neck position.
"It can reduce cervical spine strain, easing morning stiffness and discomfort, and lessen the pressure caused by pillows with poor support," Lu said. Glaucoma patients and those at high risk are advised to consult medical professionals to find a posture that keeps the head and neck properly aligned without being excessively elevated.
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