## Sleeping on High Pillows Linked to Increased Stroke Risk
A recent study by Japanese researchers has found a link between sleeping on high pillows and an increased risk of stroke. The study, published in the journal Stroke, found that people who used pillows 12 cm or higher were more likely to experience a stroke than those who used lower pillows.
The researchers believe that the increased risk of stroke is due to the way the neck bends when sleeping on a high pillow. This position can put pressure on the blood vessels in the neck, increasing the risk of a rupture.
The study also found that the risk of stroke was even higher for people who used multiple pillows or stacked towels at bedtime. This is because these practices can further increase the amount of neck flexion during sleep.
The researchers recommend that people avoid using pillows that are more than 15 cm high. They also recommend sleeping on a single pillow, rather than multiple pillows or stacked towels.
## Shogun Pillow Syndrome
The researchers have named the condition associated with sleeping on high pillows "shogun pillow syndrome." This name is a reference to the fact that high pillows were once commonly used by shoguns and geisha in Japan.
The researchers believe that the use of high pillows may have contributed to the high rates of stroke in Japan in the past. However, they note that the use of high pillows has declined in recent years, and the rates of stroke have also declined.
## Conclusion
The study's findings suggest that sleeping on a high pillow can increase the risk of stroke. People who are concerned about their risk of stroke should avoid using pillows that are more than 15 cm high. They should also sleep on a single pillow, rather than multiple pillows or stacked towels.