How To Choose The Best Pillow for Side Sleepers? Suffering from chronic neck pain can hamper the quality of your life to a great extent. Not only does it feel physically taxing to live with such pain, but it also results in anxiety and depression. While sleeping on the side can have many benefits, if done wrong, it can also cause many adverse reactions. So, how do you prevent that?
What are the causes of neck pain inside sleepers? Although sleeping on the side is recommended by several doctors, reaping the maximum benefits out of this depends on maintaining proper posture. To avoid neck pain, you must not sleep too low or too high. Also, you must maintain a good posture throughout your sleeping duration. Additionally, sleeping on the left helps release toxins from the body but you must keep switching sides to avoid stress on a particular shoulder.
What are the advantages of sleeping on the side? If done right, sleeping on the side can help: • Release pressure from your back and joints • Reduce chances of pain caused by diseases such as fibromyalgia • Reduce snoring, especially for those suffering from obstructive sleep apnea • Improve digestion and related concerns such as constipation, heartburn, and bloating
How do pillows help side sleepers? Using an appropriate contour pillow is an absolute must for side sleepers as they help them reap the maximum benefit of sleeping in this posture. Additionally, the pillows also: • Help in properly aligning the head and the neck with the rest of the vertebral column • Releases tension from around the shoulders • Can be adjusted according to the comfort of the user • Prevent the growth of harmful bacteria such as Pacne
Which pillow should you use if you are a side sleeper?
While pillows help a great deal in avoiding neck pains completely, if you are already suffering from a chronic pain, you may need to change your pillow depending on the severity of the pain. Generally, the three main types of pillows that are recommended in this condition are: Adjustable Memory Foam Pillow - These pillows come with adjustable memory foam pillow that can be taken out or added to increase the firmness and loft of the pillow.
Cooling Pillow - Perfect for those suffering from night sweats or heightened body heat, cooling pillows come with a cooling gel coating on one or both sides. For best results, try to cooling gel shredded memory foam pillow. Cervical Pillow - Crafted for those with severe chronic neck and back pain, these cervical pillows come with a depression head rest, space for resting your hand, and additional neck support.
Do mattresses also make a difference to the pain? While getting a pillow that supports your neck, head and shoulders is a great step towards improving your sleep cycle, the mattress also plays a significant role. For side sleepers, mattresses that are too firm can fail to contour according to the body, thus causing unnecessary stress and pain in the joints. Hence, it is important to opt for a mattress that compliments your sleeping pattern as well as your body type.
What are some things to keep in mind for side sleepers? Apart from choosing a firm pillow and a medium-firm mattress, it is also recommended to keep a pillow in between your knees. Also, avoid sleeping with your chin tucked into your chest as it may cause tension in the joint between your head and neck. Lastly, use a hypoallergenic pillow cover made of cotton or rayon to breath healthy.