Bad sleep can ruin the day ahead, but long-term bad sleep can have serious effects on your health. Your pillow is just as important as your mattress when it comes to good sleep health, so making sure it’s exactly right for you should be a priority when investing in a new place to rest your head.
Why is your pillow so important?
Your pillow is essential for good sleep posture, and getting a good pillow can help prevent damage to your neck and shoulders.
If your neck and shoulders don’t get sufficient support or are propped at an angle that causes twisting, craning, or crunching, this can put your spine and body out of alignment.
This in turn can lead to strain and discomfort in your neck, shoulders, and back, and an overall bad sleep.
As with your mattress, comfort and support are both important in selecting the right pillow.
The best pillow for you is one that feels comfortable to rest your head on, and supports your head, neck, and shoulders.
How do I know if my pillow is good for me?
Lying in bed in your usual sleeping position, using your phone take a selfie that includes your head and torso.
On the photo, draw a line dissecting your face in half from your forehead to your chin, and then draw one down your torso.
If these lines don’t line up, it means your pillow is either too big or too small, and you need to change it.