Many don’t realize that the quality of your pillow can impact how well you sleep at night. Pillow freshness can influence your nighttime rest as the comfiness of its build prevents stiffness. When your pillow is too flat or uneven, this can result in aches and pains across the neck and shoulders. Newer pillows not only have better fabric, but the stuffing material is stronger. Just like mattresses that sag over time and need to be replaced, so do pillows.
How Fresh Pillows Improve Sleep Quality
When you go to bed every night, the first thing on your mind is comfort. Pillows were created to keep you cozy, which is why you should update them when they are worn out.
Discomfort Can Cause Sleep Deprivation
When you don’t feel comfortable in bed, your body can’t relax, and you won’t be able to sleep properly. Because of this, you can get sleep deprivation and be exhausted for the entire day. Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, diabetes, and more. The better quality sleep you get, the less chance that you suffer from health disorders. People who have poor quality sleep often suffer from scapula pain, cervical stiffness, and other symptoms. When you have poor quality sleep, when awake, you can’t function to your full potential. Fatigue can be a distraction and reduce your ability to focus on daily tasks.
Higher Quality Pillows Reduce Pain
When you are sleeping uncomfortably on an old pillow, you can struggle with sore muscles. When sleeping, your head should be resting on the pillow with it supporting your neck. If the pillow is too soft or not firm enough, your pain isn’t aligned properly; this results in soreness. Neck pain can reduce your sleep quality and leave you fatigued for the entire day. It can also increase the occurrence of migraines.
When Your Pillow Is Too Old
Doctors suggested that you should replace your pillows every two years. The best way to see if your pillow is old is to lay your head on it and check if your neck is in a neutral position, where it isn’t leaning or craning in any direction. You can also feel the pillow and see if it has any lumps in it. If the pillow is sagging in areas and is uneven, you probably need a new one. Fresh pillows are uniform all across the pillow. They are also bouncy and aren’t flat or sinking in places.
The Fold Test
If your pillow can pass this test, that means it’s still got some time left. What you do first is fold the pillow in half. If the pillow stays folded, that means the pillow is too old to continue sleeping on. If the pillow bounces back after being folded and goes to its normal shape, then it can still be used. The fold test shows you if the pillow is still supportive for the neck, shoulder, and back. If it is limp and overly flexible, this means it won’t be able to support your upper body muscles during the duration of the night.
Learn More About Fresh Pillows
If you are looking for a brand new pillow, you can check out custom pillows. This gives you the freedom and luxury to choose the best pillow for you.
Considering all aspects of pleasant rest is important to know how to pick a perfect pillow.
Sometimes the right bed, pillow, bedding and atmosphere are not the answer to your sleep problems. When that is the case, you need to get to the source to improve both your sleep and overall health.
You are not alone here. Talk with your Primary Care doctor or contact us here at Alaska Sleep Clinic for your free sleep assessment.
