Sleeping on High Pillows May Increase Stroke Risk
A recent study by Japanese researchers has found a potential health risk associated with using multiple pillows and stacked towels at bedtime. The study, published in the journal "Cureus," suggests that sleeping on a high pillow can increase the risk of stroke due to the way it bends the neck during sleep.
The researchers, from the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, studied cases of spontaneous vertebral artery dissection (sVAD), a rupture of a blood vessel in the back of the neck that causes a stroke. They compared the sleeping habits of 53 patients diagnosed with sVAD with 53 patients who had strokes or cerebral hemorrhages from other causes.
The study found that patients with sVAD were significantly more likely to use high pillows (defined as 12 cm or higher) compared to the control group. In fact, 34% of sVAD patients used high pillows, compared to only 15% of the control group. The risk of sVAD increased with the height of the pillow, with patients using pillows 15 cm or higher being at the highest risk.
The researchers believe that high pillows increase neck flexion, which can damage blood vessels in the neck, especially if the neck turns during sleep. They recommend avoiding pillows that are more than 15 cm high, even if they are soft, as they can still cause significant neck flexion.
The study also notes that the use of high pillows has a long history in Japan. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, pillows as high as 12-16 cm, called "shogun pillows," were widely used to maintain traditional hairstyles among shoguns, samurai, and geisha. However, the study suggests that people back then may have been aware of the connection between high-pillow usage and strokes. Several essays published in the mid-19th century indicate that it was widely believed that a high pillow was comfortable for living, but a low pillow was better for longevity.
This study highlights the importance of choosing the right pillow for your sleep health. While high pillows may be comfortable for some people, they can increase the risk of stroke. It is important to choose a pillow that provides adequate support for your neck and head without causing excessive flexion.