When was the last time you thought about your bed pillows? If your answer is “it’s been a long time,” or “not at all,” you’re not alone!
The wrong pillow can be a real pain in the neck—not to mention a barrier to a good night’s sleep.
Watch the video below where Dr. Rob explains why your pillow may be the cause of your neck pain and headaches!
https://youtu.be/vEDxwxqceGc
Just like your mattress, the comfort and support of your pillow is important! Most adults spend 6-8 hours sleeping and being in the same awkward position for hours on end each night can really do a number on your body, leading to pain and stiffness!
If you’re sleeping on an old ,worn-out pillow, scrunching and fluffing it up every night to get comfortable, that is a clear sign you need a new pillow. Even if your pillow isn’t old and deflated, it might not be the best choice for your body and your sleep position!
Have we convinced you that you need a new pillow yet?
There are tons of textures, firmness, and sizes of pillows out there. The selection can be overwhelming and it can be tempting to invest in a pricey pillow just because it promises to improve your sleep, reduce your pain, and and do your taxes.
BUT I am here to personally attest that my favourite pillow I ever laid my head on cost me a whopping $5 at Canadian Tire. So save your neck, save your money, and remember that, like Dr. Rob mentioned, there is no ‘best pillow’ there is only the best pillow for YOU.
The “ideal” sleeping posture for your body is side sleeping, with a pillow between your knees to keep your spine, hips, and knees in a neutral position. But as much as we would love for everyone to sleep like this, we know it’s hard to break habits you’ve had for years.
So here are some tips for pillows for all sleep positions:
Your pillow, no matter the type, should hold it’s shape
Back Sleepers:
Opt for a thinner pillow to avoid cranking your neck. You can also put a pillow under your knees to help take pressure off of your low back!
Side Sleepers:
Look for a firm pillow that’s about the thickness of the distance between your head and shoulder. A pillow this size will keep your neck in neutral position!
Stomach Sleepers:
A thin pillow is the best option for this not-so great sleeping position which will reduce the extension of your neck while you sleep. To take pressure off of your low back try adding a pillow under your hips.
The general lifespan of a pillow is around 18 months. If you fold your pillow in half and it doesn’t spring back, that’s a good sign you need to replace it!
Let us know what kind of pillow you use! And PLEASE go check if you need a new one!