Posted on

The History Of Pillows and Why You Need Them

Bed pillows are synonymous with a good night’s sleep. Of course, you can still sleep without a pillow, but it will be like eating Oreo cookies without the cold glass of milk. The experience will be different, like you’ve missed an important element of sleep. A pillow is not just a cushion for your head, it offers comfort and provides support and can even make you feel beautiful. As Drew Barrymore said, “When I lay my head on the pillow at night, I can say I was a decent person today. That’s when I feel beautiful.”

Pillows have a long history. These days, you can find all kinds of pillows: therapeutic pillows designed to address health issues, ergonomic pillows, throw pillows or just the plain pillow to rest your head and call it a night. But that hasn’t always been the case. Looking through time’s corridor, pillows have an interesting past. Let’s take a peak.

Man has always been an ingenious bunch. From as early as 9,000 years ago, the Mesopotamians (from modern day Iraq) found a need to create a structure to prop their heads above the ground when they sleep. Using their honing skills, they carved out a hole, like a half-moon, big enough to hold the head. The logic is simple: they wanted to keep insects from exploring their ears, mouth and nose while they slept for obvious reasons. A playful ant in the ear may be fun for the ant, but a nightmare for the poor victim. So the early crude form of pillow came into existence, born out of necessity.

The Egyptians also found a need for pillows, though hard and uncomfortable they may be. They believed that the head is the seat of spiritual and life force and needed protection. They too had pillows similar to the Mesopotamians, but carved out of wood.

On the other side of the planet, though not in the same time frame, the Chinese also felt the need to create a rest for the head. Being pragmatic and stoic by nature, they believed pillows (the harder the better) promote intellect and health, while the softer ones weakened vitality and sapped energy. Thus, a whole industry developed around creating ornately decorated pillows made from wood, stone, porcelain, bronze and precious stones like jade. They believed that the materials used were significant in providing health benefits, for instance, a jade pillow increased one’s intelligence. Others supposedly treated headaches, depression and other maladies.

The ancient Greeks and Romans had a penchant for luxurious living and so, naturally, their pillows had to be comfortable. They departed from the traditional hard form to create pillows more akin to present-day pillows. They had the savvy and smart to stuff their pillows with reeds and  straw and, for the wealthy, soft indulgent down feathers.

As trend goes, a fashionable thing can go out of style, dictated by whims and fancies. In the Middle Ages in Europe, using a pillow at night became a sign of weakness. King Henry VIII banned the use of pillows except for pregnant  women.

That trend didn’t last long. After the Middle Ages, pillow use came back. However, it wasn’t until the Industrial Revolution (in the 1800’s) that the use of pillows exploded. With the advancement of technology, it became possible to mass produce pillows. Thus, pillows became commonplace. Innovative businesses started selling decorative pillows for chairs and couches, widening the versatility of pillows. However, the stuffing inside the pillows had to be changed frequently due to mold and mildew.

As the 1900’s rolled around, there was no stopping the march of pillows. They have invaded every house and going to sleep without a pillow is well….almost unthinkable. Again, man in his ingenuity is not going to let a good thing lie. He’s going to make it better. The pillow became not just an object of comfort to lull you to sleep, it took on other responsibilities as well. Pillows engineered for neck support, to align the spine and to provide therapeutic and health benefits flooded the market.

As you can see, pillows have withstood the test of time and remained firmly entrenched as a sleep necessity. Although there are people who propose and encourage pillowless sleep, there are reasons why pillows endure through the ages. Let’s explore:

According to Spine Health, there are two main benefits for bed pillow use:

  • Offers Support

Our forefathers intuitively knew that. Now, science shows that pillow supports the cervical spine in a neutral position. Pillows relieve pressure on the cervical spine and decrease bio-mechanical stresses on the cervical spine structures. It also helps in the alignment of the spine.

  • Offers Comfort

Although this is subjective, pillow offers comfort, a place to rest the weary head after a long day. It creates a comfortable feeling, like a soft cradle of comfort that can aid a good night’s sleep. And sometimes, the pillow provides more than physical comfort, it provides emotional comfort as well, like burying the head in the pillow for a good cry or using it as a punching bag to release pent-up frustration.

If you’re already a pillow lover and know the importance of using a pillow, how do you go about choosing a good pillow since the market offers all types, shapes and kinds of pillows?

Here are some simple guidelines when choosing a pillow:

  • Keep Spine In Natural Alignment

A natural spine curves slightly forward to support the head when in an upright person. When you go to sleep, it’s important to maintain this natural curve. If you choose pillows that are too high, your spine may bend too far forward, straining the muscles on the back, neck and shoulders. This too-forward position may also cause the narrowing of the air-pipe, causing breathing difficulties and snoring. If the pillow is too low, you may strain your neck muscles. So what is a good rule? A good pillow should maintain a height of 4 to 6 inches of cushion to effectively support the head, neck and shoulders.

  • Sleeping Position

How do you sleep? Do you sleep on your back, on your side or on your stomach? Your sleeping position can dictate the choice of pillows. According to sleep experts, a side sleeper needs the firmest and thickest pillow as this sleeping position tends to create a big space between the body and mattress. For the back sleeper, moderate firmness and height is advisable. For stomach sleepers, you don’t need a thick or firm pillow. A light, thin pillow will ensure you’re not putting your head at an uncomfortable angle.

  • Is It Comfortable

And finally, the ultimate test: Do you find the pillow comfortable? Sure, it’s largely personal preference, but your comfort level can dictate a good night’s sleep. Be sure to test the pillow for comfort level before you buy. Remember the pillow case plays a part too. Do you prefer it soft and smooth, like a high-thread count cotton pillowcase or a warm flannel one?

If you can’t imagine going to sleep without a pillow, you’re definitely not alone. As you can see, pillows have come a long way. Whether you use the pillow to prop up your head or use it between your knees for support or as an accent piece on your sofa, pillows are useful and decorative. If you can’t live without them, no apologies needed. It’s a necessary indulgence. For more information on pillows and how to pick a right one to accompany your mattress, simply contact your local Urban Mattress store.