Okay, okay. Two thoughts seem to be escaping the thread after the OP.
First, there is an anatomical reason to support the head when resting. Unless lying flat on your back, and even to some extent then, failure to support the head or neck results in either twisting or bending the spine. That has GOT to be both discomforting and potentially injurious in the long run. Given the tendency to just stuff an arm under one’s head when sleeping on one’s side, I would say that supporting the head becomes one of the first things you look to do while sleeping.
Second, let us not forget the value of comfort while sleeping. A well rested individual is probably a more alert individual. (I invite those who know of studies on the issue - I know that sleep-deprivation studies have been done) A more alert individual likely succedes better at whatever he/she tries, including both procreation and the defense of his/her offspring. Therefore (warning, tongue in cheek comment here) pillow use is the result of evolution!
I always thought the use of pillows or other head-rests was to best facilitate oxygen intake and blood circulation.
I’ve slept with no pillows (camping especially) and multiple leaning towers of pillows and those times are usually the only times I am told I snore. I’m also more likely to wake up sore or stiff (mind out of gutter, pervert) after sleeping this way.
I don’t think the Origin of the Pillow had anything to do with protection from bugs or snakes - but beds probably did. I mean, a fluffy pile of feathers or straw isn’t going to help much when that colony of fire ants is headed your way. Both pillows and beds are largely western inventions. Headrests and mats are used by an aweful lot of the world.
One thing I’ve always thought about is the health ramifications of pillows. Most people don’t wash or replace their pillows often enough - I’ve seen some nasty looking pillows, believe you me! Even if they look clean, they are probably holders and breeders of billions of germs and they serve as vast cloud-like cities for millions of microscopic bugs.
Me… I sleep on my stomach… with THREE pillows… unless I have 3 i can NOT get comfy. One folded in half under my head and one under each shoulder/side. Unless I have a woman to hold… then one is fine… but I think I wear out pillows to fast.
I remember seeing on a nature channel that some african (maybe south american) tribe slept on the ground not with there head on a pillow but in there palm with there elbow cocked up on the ground so there head is elevated so insects wouldnt crawl into there ears.
As was mentioned, babies aren’t supposed to sleep with pillows and my son gets along fine without one. So, I guess it’s habit more than need. Besides, I think most of us have fallen asleep on the couch, floor, etc without a pillow and lived to tell our tale.
Speaking of which, IIRC, the Elephant Man died not from a pillow, but rather that he was supposed to sleep in a chair so his lungs wouldn’t fill with fluid. However, he one night decided to sleep “like a normal person” and sure enough… his lungs filled with fluid and he died. Probably a lesson in there somewhere.
“I guess one person can make a difference, although most of the time they probably shouldn’t.”
