Pillow Talk
Let's talk about Pillows!
One of the most frequently asked questions our patients ask is “what is the right pillow for me?”
The average human spends just under 80 years on earth, so let's start with that number. Of those years, a mind-blowing 26 years will be spent sleeping... but what's more surprising is that an additional seven years will be spent trying to get to sleep! (Huffington Post)
There is no one-size-fits-all solution.
6 tips for finding the perfect pillow:
Comfortable - everyone likes different pillows, but what’s most comfortable will yield you the best sleep.
Supportive - depending on how you sleep the height and contour of the pillow will vary. For back and side sleepers a slightly contoured pillow is recommended to cradle and support the head and neck. For our stomach sleepers, a thin pillow or no pillow is advised.
Breathable and well ventilated - Pillows are made from a variety of materials including cotton, latex, feather, polyester. It is important to read the label of the pillow to check its heat absorption and breathability.
Never sleep with more than 1 pillow under your head. When you stack pillows to sleep on they can move around, slip and slide during the night and compromise the ergonomics.
Replace pillow every 18months to 2 years. Pillow hygiene is very important. After 2 years, the integrity of the pillow has deteriorated and up to a third of the weight of the pillow is dust and debris.
Get sized up - Chiropractors and Physiotherapists are experts at sizing you up for the perfect pillow. The clinicians will assess your sleep posture, ergonomics including head and neck position, tension, spinal alignment, and support.
By following these simple steps you will be well on your way to having a good night's sleep.
If you would like one of our clinicians to check your pillow out, simply bring it in to your next appointment, or we are happy to fit you with a new pillow at the clinic.
Emily Cumming
Chiropractic Director | Senior Chiropractor
Spine & Sports Centre