Are you suffering from sleep disorders a few times a week? If so, then you are one of the 75% of Americans suffering from this problem. Is your pain making you toss and turn three nights a week from the physical discomfort? If so, you may have interrupted rest, based on a National Sleep Federation poll. If you aren’t sleeping well, you might have a heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or other serious health issues.
Shelf Life of The pillow
The material in your pillow should not be too thick and medium firm so that it aligns properly with your neck. If it is not, then you could have insomnia, be in pain, feel numb, and stiff, or have headaches.
Good pillows will last for about four or five years. You should consider purchasing a new one every two years or so. Once it is past its prime, you may find dust mites and mold adding to its weight, among other issues.
Sleep on It
For people who like sleeping on their back, it is important to have the right pillow that supports your back. When it is not strong enough you may suffer from back pain. Stacking your pillows could result in your head protruding forward and that might cause you to feel neck pain and tightness.
Memory foam pillows are one good option. They shape to the natural curve of your neck. If you are able to afford a denser, more expensive cushion, that will provide you with additional support. You can also consider a thinner pillow that has extra cushioning on the bottom for cradling your neck. Those pillows provide reliable support whenever you are changing positions while you are sleeping. You can also put a second pillow underneath your back. For example, a bolster or wedge pillow. When changing sleeping positions, those two kinds of pillows provide reliable support. You can also try wedging a second pillow underneath your knees, such as a bolster or wedge pillow, to reduce pressure from your back.
Whenever you are sleeping on your right or left side, tuck a pillow in between your knees. that will help to keep your spine straight and strengthen it. Or you can place a leg-spacer pillow in between your knees. It can help to relieve pressure from your ankles and hips. If you are experiencing sciatica pain, it can help to reduce stress from your lumbar vertebrae. Put a medium-firm cushion underneath your head when you are lying down in bed. It should fill in the gap between your outside shoulder and ear.
Pillows for Your Pain and Ailments
If you are among the 35-80% of individuals who suffer from neck pain, then you can consider trying out two different kinds of pillows Water-based and memory foam pillows are ideal for you and they are also hypoallergenic. If you decide to use one that is made out of water, it will help to improve your sleep, reduce the frequency of your headaches, and relieve chronic neck pain.
If you are sick with asthma or allergies, try to use a pillow made out of synthetic fiber. It may help you feel better. Pillows that have feathers in them sometimes will worsen during the night. Use an anti-allergy cover to protect yourself against dust mites, pet dander, and pollen.
Those pillows can help you feel well-rested following a good night’s sleep Silk and lamb’s wool are natural dust-bite repellants that provide relief as well.
If you or our partner snores at night, using anti-snoring pillows can help you fall asleep quickly. They shift your head subtly into the “sniff” position to provide support to your neck. When you have open airways, it makes it easier for you to breathe. It also won’t create other problems like neck pain. A 2005 study showed that some people saw positive results.
If this doesn’t help you, then you may have sleep apnea, which is a dangerous condition. That is when you stop breathing or gasp while you are sleeping. That could increase your blood pressure. It has also been linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease and depression. See a physician, if you think you might have GERD.
Stuffing
Polyester fiberfill, foam, or down-feather are the most common pillow stuffing options. For people who need additional support for their neck, latex and memory foam pillows are very popular these days. Selecting the right pillow will depend on the way you feel on a certain day. It is recommended that you have more than one kind to choose from. Pillows severe a number of different purposes. For example, if one day your neck is hurting and then seems fine the next day, then it might not be the right pillow for you.
If it is beyond your budget then you should consider a polyester fiber such as Primloft which mimics down feathers. There are cheaper and purer ones, but they won’t last very long.
Shopping For Pillows
Remember the following tips when shopping for new pillows, including specialty pillows.
Give the Pillow the Test Feel
When you are shopping for new pillows and can lie down with it on a bed, give it the test feel. Or if you cannot, then set the pillow up against a wall and place your head against it as if you were going to sleep. Lean against the pillow and then ask someone if your neck appears to be straight or not. It should align with your spine properly.
Cervical Pillows
This type of pillows provides more support to the lower parts of your neck. They are available in assorted forms and fabrics and can be helpful. There was a recent study done but there was not enough evidence to recommend against or for the pillows.
Water Pillows: These have a base of water that is sandwiched in between polyester filling To create your preferred pillow size, add the appropriate amount of water. Physical therapists and chiropractors favor these pillows since water can be used to create your own custom-made support and density.
Cool Pillows
These pillows have a filling made up of tiny “beads” which soaks up heat from your head and pulls it away from you. If you are experiencing night sweats or hot flashes, it is the ideal remedy, since the lower portion of the pillow touching your face is cool.
Oxygen-Promoting Pillows: This new technology for pillows is based on research study findings, and uses sock fabric to help diabetes patients improve their circulation. It also can increase oxygen content up to 29% with tiny vessels. According to another report, it reduces pain as well.
Positional Pillows
If you are someone who sleeps on your stomach, back or sides, these pillows can be beneficial for you. Be sure that the pillows give you the proper support and comfort.
Sleep Tight
If you suffer from lower back pain, try putting a pillow between your legs or under your legs when you go to sleep. My physical therapist suggested that to me several years ago and it worked great. I have been doing that ever since. I purchase a new pillow several years ago, and it helped me catch up on my sleep and prevented me from getting lower back pain or cricks in my neck.
If you are thinking about purchasing a new pillow, it might help to give you a better night’s sleep. Try it out. You may be surprised at just how wonderful it can work by just switching pillows and how much better you feel the next day.
