Why Your Pillow Is Important to your Health

This month we are talking about the importance of your pillow.

Did you know?
You spend a third of your life in bed so it is important that you have a good mattress and a supportive pillow.

Find out more about how to choose the right pillow!

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PILLOW ADVICE

When we expect a good night sleep, the majority of us consider mattress characteristic and features, room temperature, room illumination, and noise. Hardly ever will we think about our pillows. There are a lot of options available in this day and age. It is important to know that our cervical spine (neck) alignment is an important feature of our general well being. Selecting a head support which is equally comfortable to sleep with as well as be able to improve the quality of good night sleep, has to be a necessary foundation for a good night sleep.

What is the frequency of pillow replacement?

Six months to two years is the general life span of a pillow. A great deal of the time frame will depend upon the quality of pillow you have bought. A good test to measure the replacement status of your pillow is to fold your head support in half. A brand new pillow will spring right back after you release the pressure, however, an old beaten up one will stay folded. This test is like a check-engine light in your car. If you wait too long the problem will cost you literally.

How Do You Sleep?

Prior to the first possible pillow you see in the store, consider your sleeping patterns. Your goal is always to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned as straight as possible during sleeping hours. The simple answer to what position you sleep in can tell you a lot about which pillow to purchase. For instance, if you predominantly sleep face up, a flatter head support will do a better job for your neck and will help to keep it aligned as straight as possible with your back. If you sleep on your side, one has to compensate for the depth of their shoulder, so a firmer pillow that has more depth to its filling should be considered. Stomach sleepers also need to consider how they sleep in regards to their arms. Are your arms usually tucked beneath your head or at your sides? Your main goal is to keep your head, neck, and spine as straight and aligned as possible.

More helpful tips…

1) When choosing a pillow, be selective. When lying on your side, your head and neck should remain level with your mid and lower spine. When lying on your back, your head and neck should remain level with your upper back and spine. In other words, your pillow should not be so thick that it causes your head and neck to be propped up or angled sharply away from your body.
2) Be wary of pillows that are made out of mushy foam materials. The weight of your head can displace this kind of foam, leaving little support. Choose firmer foam and materials that press back and support the head.
3) If you find yourself sleeping on your side with one hand propped under your pillow, thats a clue that you’re not getting the support you need from that pillow.
4) There is no such thing as a universal fit when it comes to pillows. Find one that is consistent with the shape and size of your body.

WE RECOMMEND THE ROYAL REST ORTHOPAEDIC PILLOW

AVAILABLE TO PURCHACE FROM ALEVIA HEALTHCARE CLINIC RECEPTION

The Royal Rest Pillow is a totally new kind of Neck Support.

Designed to meet the two most important requirements of an orthopaedic pillow – comfort and support!