Tip: Take the One Pillow Test

This simple test will tell you a lot about how much mobility, flexibility, or posture work you need. Check it out.

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

Dan John is an elite-level strength and weightlifting coach. He is also an All-American discus thrower, holds the American record in the Weight Pentathlon, and has competed at the highest levels of Olympic lifting and Highland Games. Follow Dan John on Facebook