Christmas is the time of giving, but it is also the perfect time to invest in yourself. What better present to give than the gift of sleep.
If you have been waking up with a stiff neck or nursing neck pain all year, it may be time to change your pillow.
But which one is best for you?
Nowadays there are more types of pillows on the market than there are styles of jeans. So choosing the right one for you can be daunting. But just like jeans, it's important to find the right fit for your body shape in order to get maximum comfort.
When next buying a pillow, hear are some useful things to consider
- Pillow Shape: The right shape of pillow for you is dependent on your sleeping position. If you are a side sleeper, opt for a peanut shaped pillow to give you adequate neck and shoulder support. For those back sleepers out there, a standard rectangular pillow will meet your needs.
- Pillow height: Regardless of how you sleep, the appropriate pillow will be tall enough to provide neck and shoulder support and keep your neck parallel to the bed. For example, if you have broad shoulders a high profile pillow is better for you, whereas a low profile pillow is suited for those with smaller frames or back sleepers.
- Pillow density: This is probably the most confusing. Pillows today can be made from memory foam, feathers, beans, cotton and even bamboo! Ideally when sleeping your pillow should be firm enough to keep your neck parallel to the bed and soft enough to accommodate your shoulder. The choice of material is completely up to your personal preference.
If you still are unsure which pillow is suitable for you, just ask a physio.
We spend 7-9 hours a day sleeping so it's important to do it right in order to get the maximum benefits. If you or someone you know suffers from neck pain, why not give them the gift of sleep?