PILLOW TALK: TIPS FOR A BETTER SLEEP

By: Jesseny Rojas

Sore neck, tight shoulders, general achiness in the upper body after a good night’s sleep, perhaps your pillow is partly to blame.

Here are a few things to consider regarding your pillow.

Consider Sleep Posture
If you sleep on your
*Back & Stomach – thinner pillow for proper head and neck support
*Side – thicker pillow for proper head and neck support. The gap between the shoulder and neck should         be filled with pillow.

Consider Mattress Firmness
Shoulders sink more with a softer mattress
A thicker pillow to help ensure proper head, neck and shoulder alignment

Consider the Filling
Does the filling offer the firmness or softness you prefer?
Does the pillow conform to the shape you need when sleeping?
Will it irritate your allergies or asthma?

Do you need an egonomic pillow?
Do you need extra support in certain areas while you sleep?
Are you pregnant?
Do you need to decrease tension in certain parts of your body while sleeping or sitting?

Know when it’s time to replace?
Test: Fold your pillow and place a light weight on tip of it. If the pillow unfolds back to a flat position, then it’s still supportive. It the pillow remains folded, time to go shopping.

Osteopathic treatments can help alleviate these discomforts by releasing the tissues affected with poor pillow selections.

Soma and Soul Wellness