Tip: Take the One Pillow Test

How Many Pillows Do You Sleep On?

If you answer more than one, you need mobility and flexibility work, and maybe even a visit to the physical therapist. Having to prop your head so far forward is a sign you could be dealing with some kyphosis – excessive curvature of the spine causing a hunching of the back.

Vlad Janda taught us half a century ago that the tonic muscles – specifically the pecs, biceps, hamstrings, and hip flexors – tighten with age and injury. So focus flexibility work there first.

If you have joint issues, surgery or rehab might be the correct answer to the problem versus "I'll just work around it." If you have massive asymmetries, balancing this out earlier rather than later might be a good way to sleep through the night. Move well, sleep well.

Need several pillows? Check out the info below:

Dump the Slump
The Posture Cure
Heal that Hunchback
15 Ways to Foam Roll