Since the invention of pillows, people have been putting things under their pillow. There’s a  variety of reasons for this, from practical needs to cultural traditions to superstitions. Regardless of the reason, it’s never good to put things under your pillow. Even something small will be felt through the pillow and will definitely affect your sleep quality. On top of that, some items are downright dangerous to keep under your pillow.  

Teeth

Both the young and old are known to put teeth under their pillow. Older people will sometimes put their dentures under a pillow to keep them close by, as they are self-conscious of being seen without them in. Of course, this can damage the dentures and they should be stored in a sanitary container (but can be kept near the bed).

Earlier in life, children put those lost baby teeth under their pillow, in hopes of receiving a treat from the beloved Tooth Fairy. The storage method varies widely, with some children having a special pocket or envelope to put the tooth in and with other children just sticking that tooth under the pillow. While that little tooth probably won’t disrupt sleep, it is kind of gross.

Money

If your child puts a tooth under the pillow, they probably expect to find some money under that pillow in the morning. While the Fairy leaves gifts or sweets in some countries, American children expect dollar bills (somewhere between $1 and $20).

Children in China may receive money under their pillow for a different reason. The traditional Chinese red envelopes, given at Chinese New Year, are often left under the children’s pillows since they tend to fall asleep before the festivities are complete.

Beyond these traditions, some people regularly keep money under their pillow due to superstition. Some people believe that sleeping on money will bring you good fortune in the days to come. Of course, you also have people that put money under their pillow (or mattress) to keep it “safe”.

Garlic

Speaking of superstition, some people believe in putting garlic under their pillow. Garlic is known as a superfood packed with healthy nutrients. Of course, the healthy benefits only come from eating it. Some people believe putting garlic in your pockets will give you good luck, and others believe in hanging it around the house to keep out negative spirits. Topping all of that, some people believe that garlic under your pillow will eliminate negative energy and help you sleep better. At least it will keep the vampires away…

Books

Children often slide books or magazines under their pillow in order to read after bedtime. Later in youth, college students are sure that you can keep learning at night through osmosis, just by putting that textbook under your pillow. I’m pretty sure we can put that into the “wishful thinking” category and avoid this tactic. (It will only give you a headache or neck ache in the morning.)

Books have been under pillows for a more practical nature since the time of ancient Greece. Plato was known to read all day and then slide the materials under his head at night. Historical accounts indicate that he did this so he could go right back to reading if he woke up with a question about his studies. In current times, people are more likely to do this with a journal. Many people want to wake up and immediately write about a dream, either to study it later or to get it off their mind so they can go back to restful sleep. There’s no proof that you can rid your mind of the dream (or nightmare) by writing about it, and writing is more likely to fully wake you up. However, if you want to write upon waking, just put that journal next to the bed.

Photos

Photographs have probably been going under pillows for as long as photographs have existed. From a child cherishing family photos to a teenager longing for their boyfriend or girlfriend, you just feel closer to someone when you have a picture of them close by. This trend continues late into life, with the elderly often keeping a photo of loved ones that have passed. Of course, this tradition is also quite prevalent in the military, as they are missing loved ones at home.

Guns

A loaded gun under your pillow is a scary thought. Yet, an astounding number of Americans practice this dangerous habit. While you may be focused on safety, you are endangering yourself and others inside the home through the possibility of accidents. If you must have a gun close at hand, keep the ammunition separate from the gun. While you’re at it, put the gun on a nightstand or dresser, as it will definitely affect your sleep quality under the pillow.

Phones

The number one item under people’s pillows shouldn’t come as a surprise. A large number of adults (and now teens or younger children) are stashing that phone under the pillow. There are a number of hazards presented by this. There is a small cancer risk with the extended electromagnetic radiation emitting close to your head all night long. While studies on adults are still out, the World Health Organization even warned against extensive exposure due to possible carcinogenic effects, especially in children. 

There’s also a possible fire risk, as there have been several cases of pillows and mattresses being burned by an overheated phone. While these cases often resulted from off-market replacement batteries, it’s possible for any battery to overheat with that lack of ventilation. Last, but not least, a phone that might buzz and ring in your ear will prevent a good night’s rest. If you must have your phone nearby, put it on a hard surface at least.