The invention relates to a backrest for a vehicle seat, with a head support (1) which is adjustable in terms of the height of the head support (1) with respect to the backrest, and with a proximity sensor (5) for detecting the head position of a person sitting on the vehicle seat in relation to the head support (1), an indication for adjusting the head support (1) in the event of a mispositioning and/or an adjustment of the head support (1) by means of an electric drive (4) out of an initial position taking place until the head of the person sitting on the vehicle seat causes a triggering of the proximity sensor (5), the proximity sensor (5) being arranged in the upper part of the head support (1) and being directed downward onto the region of greatest curvature of the back of the head of the person sitting on the vehicle seat.