A Study on "Shogun Pillow Syndrome"
A recent study conducted by researchers at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Japan has revealed a potential health risk associated with using multiple pillows or stacked towels while sleeping. The study, published in an international medical journal, found that sleeping on a high pillow can significantly increase the risk of stroke, a condition known as "shogun pillow syndrome."
The research team investigated the connection between sleeping habits and cases of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection (sVAD), a rupture of a blood vessel in the neck that can lead to stroke. They compared the sleeping habits of 53 patients diagnosed with sVAD with 53 individuals who had experienced strokes or cerebral hemorrhages from other causes.
The study revealed a significant correlation between the height of the pillow and the risk of sVAD. Patients who used pillows 12 cm or higher were 34% more likely to develop sVAD compared to those who used lower pillows. This risk further increased for individuals using pillows 15 cm or higher, with a 17% incidence of sVAD compared to just 1.9% among those using lower pillows.
The researchers attributed this increased risk to the excessive neck flexion caused by high pillows. This position, where the chin is lowered towards the chest, can potentially damage blood vessels, especially if the neck turns during sleep. The study also acknowledged the historical use of high pillows in Japan, particularly among shoguns, samurai, and geisha, to maintain elaborate hairstyles. However, the researchers noted that even in the past, there was an awareness of the potential health risks associated with high pillows.
The study concluded that individuals should avoid using pillows exceeding 15 cm in height, regardless of the pillow's softness, to minimize the risk of neck flexion and potential blood vessel damage. This recommendation aims to promote healthy sleep habits and reduce the incidence of stroke caused by "shogun pillow syndrome.