Characteristics of a good pillow; how many pillows should you sleep with?
This is a challenging question, but to have acomfortable sleepyou definitely need to pay attention to the number of pillows. How many pillows do you need when sleeping? The answer to this question is much simpler than you think.
While everyone’s sleep needs are different, most of us just need a good pillow to protect our necks. Our challenge is finding a suitable pillow. In this health section,SelMagzwe will review everything needed to find a pillow that properly supports your head and neck.
What is the role of a pillow?
Like a good mattress, the main role of a pillow is to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned in a straight line. A healthy spine and proper body posture greatly affect your overall sleep health. Many pains and discomforts are caused by misaligned spines.
To sleep peacefully and feel good, you must start with caring for your spine. When choosing a new pillow or better mattress, consider your sleeping habits, as your sleeping position, pillow, and mattress play a key role in maintaining a healthy spine. Next, we will discuss the different types ofappropriate pillowsfor various sleeping positions.
The right pillow for each sleep position
The best pillows are those that protect your head and neck well. When choosing a suitable pillow, pay attention to its height and firmness, as these are important factors. Remember to consider your body posture as well. Shoulder width and head size influence the appropriate pillow height to keep your neck straight.
Sleeping on the side
Most of us tend to sleep on our sides; about 70% prefer this position. While many people are used to side sleeping, it’s important to find a quality pillow that completely fills the gap between your shoulder and neck. For side sleepers, suitable pillows are typically 3 to 6 centimeters thick and firm. Your personal preference matters, but your pillow should be firm enough to align your head with your body and keep everything straight.
Too soft or too firm pillows can lead toheadachesBack pain
may occur. Orthopedic pillows are very suitable for side sleepers unsure about the right thickness. These pillows have two slopes with different thicknesses, allowing you to test both sides and choose the most comfortable one. For those who tend to sleep on their back or stomach, thinner pillows are better.
Sleeping on the back
Pillows with low to medium height are suitable for back sleepers, allowing the head to rest on pillows 1 to 5 centimeters thick. Back sleepers benefit from a healthy spine because their bodies are in the most natural and relaxed position.
Therefore, a good pillow for this group is one that keeps the head exactly between the shoulders. If it is too soft and thin, it causes the head to sink into the pillow; if it is too high, it pushes the chin forward, which can cause pain. People sleeping on their back can use hollow pillows, as they help position the head properly and prevent neck dryness.
Sleeping on the stomach
Those who sleep on their stomach should only use very soft pillows less than three centimeters thick. While some prefer to sleep without a pillow, placing one under the head helps keep the spine as straight as possible. Choosing a pillow that is too high can misalign the neck and cause injury and unnecessary pain.For stomach sleepers, an ideal pillow is similar to the ones used in massage rooms where they can sleep face down comfortably. However, stomach sleeping is not suitable for everyone. To maintain healthy sleep and preventneck painit is better to switch to sleeping on your back or side, as stomach sleeping can harm your body.Adjustable and movable beds allow you to change sleep positions
When we lie on the bed every night, we naturally choose a position that feels most comfortable. Changing sleep positions is easier said than done, but it is not impossible. While adjustable beds are considered a luxury that enhances sleep quality, they can also be a useful tool to improve your sleeping habits. These beds let you change the angle of your head and legs, giving you full control to find the most comfortable position for side or back sleeping.
When should you use two pillows?
Most of us have many pillows on our beds. What can you do with these extra pillows? While you only need one pillow under your head, additional pillows can be used to better support your head in other areas.
Nearly thirty-one million people suffer from back pain daily, which is the main reason they skip work. Besides buying the best mattress for back pain, pillows can also help relieve your back pain regardless of your sleeping position.
For side sleepers with chronic back pain, placing low-volume pillows under the knees or the sides can help align the spine and lower back. Placing a pillow under the knees helps your back sink less into the bed and reduces pain by keeping your spine straight.
People who sleep on their stomach can prevent their upper body from sinking too deeply into the mattress by using pillows under their abdomen. If you experience frequent back pain, memory foam pillows are essential. Memory foam effectively reduces pain and prevents new pain. Although they are more expensive than other pillows, their benefits are unmatched. Besides relieving back pain, these pillows can also improve overall sleep in other ways.
Side sleepers can improve sleep by placing a pillow under their knees to keep their pelvis aligned. Body pillows are also very comfortable for pregnant women, supporting the abdomen, knees, and lower back. Additionally, you can use pillows as back supports while watching TV or reading in bed, but remember to remove them when sleeping.
Are you ready for a good sleep?
Remember, decorative pillows on the bed are just for show; you only need one pillow for sleeping.
The right pillow
