How Many Pillows Should You Sleep With?

Wondering, just how many pillows should you sleep with? We’re often asked what the right number is, and we understand why. Sleeping with the incorrect amount of pillows can lead to neck and back pain, resulting in an agitated night's sleep. 

In this guide, our experts run through how many pillows you should sleep with to lift the lid on the benefits, and unravel whether one or two pillows are ideal for you. 

For a perfect night's sleep, look no further than Christy’s premium bedding. Enjoy superior super-soft touches, as well as impressive temperature balancing fabrics which are timelessly chic and luxurious. 

How many pillows are recommended to sleep with? 

Most people usually sleep with two pillows, but research suggests that sleeping with just one pillow is best. Why? The reason is pretty simple - one pillow will raise your head slightly so that your head and neck are aligned.

Lifting your head too much or using too many pillows can lead to neck ache, which can affect sleep quality. A poor night’s sleep increases fatigue and a lack of energy, which can result in mood changes and poor mental health issues. 

However, despite experts suggesting we sleep with one pillow, it’s not always that simple. The average person can sleep in several different positions throughout the night, and this can determine how many pillows you should sleep with. More interestingly, your sleeping position can mean you need a different approach.  

If you’re a side sleeper, then your one pillow should line up your ear with your shoulder, and your chin with your sternum. Alternatively, we recommend sleeping with a second pillow between your knees as this will prevent the upper leg from twisting your hips out of alignment with the rest of your body. 

If you sleep on your back, you’re adopting the healthiest sleep position of them all. The best pillows for back sleepers allow the natural curve of the neck to gently slope into the rest of the spine. If you do want to add a second pillow, place it under your knees to relieve lower back pain. 

Why should we choose one pillow? 

But what about the benefits of sleeping with one pillow? As we mentioned earlier, the goal of the pillow is to provide proper spinal alignment, meaning that your head, neck, and spine flow in a straight line. 

If your head and neck are craned up or drooping down, it can lead to neck and upper back pain. A lot of people like to stack their pillows, but doing this means that the head is propped up too high, leading to an achy neck. 

Other people like to use thin, flimsy pillows. While one pillow hits the mark in theory, sleeping with one that’s too thin won’t provide neutral spinal alignment or enough pressure relief to most sleepers. 

If this is your preferred way of sleeping, then we recommend buying a new, more supportive pillow. Or, you can even invest in an adjustable pillow.  

What is an adjustable pillow? 

With an adjustable pillow, you can add more filling to make it firmer or plumper, or reduce the amount of filling to make it lie flat against your mattress. 

An adjustable pillow is ideal if you like to sleep in different positions each night, as you can literally adjust it for optimal support. You have the option to amend your pillow to become softer, firmer, fuller, or flatter, whatever you need to do to support your body better at night time. 

Is it better to sleep without a pillow? 

Experts only recommend sleeping without a pillow if you sleep on your stomach. This is because when on your stomach, sleeping without a pillow keeps your spine straight and avoids blockages in your airways. However, if you can’t go without, then it is recommended to use a low, thin pillow to support your head above the mattress. 

If you sleep on your back or side, then it is always recommended to sleep with one pillow to ensure your head and neck are fully supported. However, as advised, using a secondary pillow between your knees or hips gives that extra support. 

The best night's sleep with Christy’s luxury bedding 

Still searching for supportive and sumptuous pillows? Browse Christy’s impressive range of pillowcases, from smooth silk to crisp cotton.

When it comes to bedding, we offer the most luxurious sheets and sumptuously soft bedding and pillowcases to transform your bedroom and give you the ultimate relaxing night's sleep.    

Shop the full range of Christy’s bed collection today.