Struggling With Restless Sleep? Experts Highlight Importance of Pillow Choice

If you find that you are constantly rolling around and having difficulty sleeping at night, or that you are waking up repeatedly, or that you are stiff in the neck or shoulder area when you wake up, it is possible that it is not necessarily the daily routine that is affecting you, but the pillow that you are sleeping on. It is easy to find the perfect mattress, but nobody seems to worry about the perfect pillow. It is possible that if you are having difficulty sleeping, you are sleeping on the wrong type of pillow. In order for you to have a perfect night's sleep, you first have to learn about the perfect type of pillow.

How to Identify the Right Pillow?

The truth is, there is no such thing as "one pillow fits all." Everybody is unique, every sleeping habit is unique, and every level of comfort is unique. However, there are some simple things you can look for to determine if your pillow is right for you.

Support

A good pillow keeps your head, neck, and spine aligned. Too much pressure or too high pressure can put strain on your neck. The right pillow should bridge the gap between comfort and proper posture.

Firmness

Some people prefer soft, cloud-like pillows, while others prefer a slightly firmer one. The key is balance. A soft pillow is important for comfort, but it must be soft enough so that you don't end up flattening out while sleeping.

Shape

These days, one can find various kinds of pillows, some of them being straight and flat, and some of them being contoured, meaning that they are curved to support the neck, especially when one is suffering from neck stiffness.

Breathability

We sometimes turn our pillow to ensure that we have the "coolside" facing up. This is exactly what "breathability" is all about. A good pillow will ensure that there is circulation of air so that sweating does not occur.

Pressure Relief

A pillow isn’t just for the head. It also eases the pressure on the shoulders and the back. Having the right pillow makes the body feel comfortable when you wake up.

Your Sleeping Position Matters:

• Back Sleepers: A moderately firm pillow is ideal as it supports the natural neck curve. A pillow that is too narrow may cause the head to tilt backward, while one that is too high could push the chin forward. 
• Side Sleepers: A pillow that fills the gap between the head and shoulder is necessary to prevent neck strain and keep the spine aligned.
• Stomach Sleepers: A thin, soft pillow works best, as a thicker pillow might bend the neck at an uncomfortable angle.
• Combination Sleepers: A memory foam pillow, which molds to the body, is a suitable choice for those who switch sleeping positions.