A good night’s sleep is vital to our health and well-being, but a good night’s sleep is not just about the amount of time we spend sleeping. It also depends on the quality of our sleep.
Choosing the right pillow can significantly affect the quality of your sleep. When you sleep, your body rests, so a good night’s rest is essential to maintaining health and well-being. By choosing the right pillow, you can help make your nights as restful and restorative as possible.
There are many types of pillows available, each designed for a specific purpose or to accommodate certain sleeping positions. Some prefer soft pillows that support the head and neck. Others like firmer pillows that provide more support. Regardless of your desired style or firmness level, choosing a pillow that offers the right balance between comfort and support is essential.
The first step in identifying the right pillow is to discover the position that looks the most natural.
According to experts, people choose their positions based on how well they can breathe. For example, when the throat airway is narrowed at night, an individual is more likely to sleep on their stomach. Sixty-three percent of people lie on their sides, 16 percent on their stomachs and only 14 percent on their backs. Attempting to move the body away from its naturally chosen position can lead to a lower quality of rest.
Contour pillows for the neck and shoulders
Not only is lying on your right or left side the most common position, but it’s also the best for breathing because it helps the airways stay open. The best side sleeper pillow choice is firm and tall to support the weight of the head without allowing the neck to tilt uncomfortably. The head usually makes up one eighth of a person’s body weight, and the heavier the person, the firmer the pillow should be.
Body and contour pillows support your shoulders and legs, which are more likely to stay in place throughout the night. They also help keep the body in the desired position without putting stress on the hips and lower back. Although some movement is positive and helps with circulation, too much movement leads to disturbed rest, leaving a person tired and tense the next day.
Stomach sleepers need little or no support under the head because any elevation forces the neck to twist uncomfortably.
A thin pillow that keeps the head at a downward angle helps keep the neck from turning too far in either direction.
Ideal pillows for sleeping on your back
With proper support, sleeping on your back can be a comfortable position. A thin, moderately firm pillow with a curve keeps the head horizontal, which prevents bending in the neck. Placing the second one under the knee takes pressure off the lower back and prevents the spine from pulling out of its natural curve. People who have problems with snoring should avoid this position because the airways also do not stay open. It is also not recommended for pregnant women due to the potential additional stress on the back and heart.
Comfortable sleep for mental and physical strength
The results of a good night’s sleep are usually immediately apparent. A person will notice a higher level of energy and a better and more stable mood. Although better rest may not completely eradicate situational stress, a good night’s sleep provides more physical, mental, and emotional strength to deal with the problems that cause it.