Dream. Do you feel something pleasant deep inside when you see this word? Yes, sleep is a wonderful invention of nature. We do not need to list all its charms, so let’s talk about what it is impossible without – the pillow. Did you know that the first pillows were similar to stools?
Yes, yes, this is exactly what the pillows of the ancient Egyptians looked like. From the point of view of modern man, it is impossible to sleep on it, but history teaches us that ancient people were very practical. They used such supports to preserve their hair and protect them from insects.
Anyway, today we associate pillows with comfort and relaxation. We think you will be interested to learn something new about them.
- A properly fitted pillow has a therapeutic effect. Numerous studies 1,2,3 have shown that sleeping on orthopedic pillows (for example) reduces neck and shoulder pain. Study participants noted that they were less likely to wake up due to discomfort. It helped them get a good night’s rest and had an impact on their overall well-being.
- Although we sleep in different positions, we spend most of the night in one of the four typical positions. We wrote about this in another article (hyperlink to article). There is an optimal pillow design for each position. And for those who value versatility, there are combination pillows for different types of sleep. On them you will be able to sit comfortably regardless of sleep preferences.
- The life cycle of a pillow is not infinite. For example, it is recommended to change down or feather pillows every 4-5 years. First, dust mites breed in the stuffing of such pillows. These creatures cause allergies. Secondly, over time, the down and feathers wear out and lose the necessary properties. The pillow becomes flat and uncomfortable even after fluffing.
- Polyurethane foam and latex pillows have a slightly shorter lifespan – 2-3 years. These materials lose their elastic properties and do not support the head in a relaxed state. Such pillows are safer than their down and feather counterparts.
- In addition to down, feathers and memory foam, modern pillows are filled with cooling gel or magnetic inserts. Those who appreciate eco-friendliness will be pleased with pillows filled with buckwheat husks or dried lavender flowers.
Today our bedrooms are unthinkable without a comfortable pillow. Not only that, these soft invaders dominate sofas and living room chairs, and kitchen chairs. In some countries there are whole cults of pillows and no important event is without them.
It’s a good thing that Egyptian headrests have been transformed into elaborate orthopedic products for different types of sleep. By the way, did you know that we prefer to sleep in 3-4 typical positions?
Yes, it is. Only 3-4 positions dominate our sleep. The interesting thing is that each one needs a special pillow shape. Why? So you find a favorable position for the neck, and it will be less painful. The frequency of waking up at night will decrease. 2,3
Articles:
1-) Effect of Therapeutic Exercise and Sleeping Neck Support on Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Antoine Helewa, Charles H. Goldsmith, Hugh A. Smythe, Peter Lee, Kathy Obright and Larry Stitt
2-) Improving the Quality of Sleep with an Optimal Pillow:A Randomized, Comparative Study. Mi Yang Jeon, HyeonCheol Jeong, SeungWon Lee, Wonjae Choi,
Jun Hyuck Park, Sa Jin Tak, Dae Ho Choi and Jongeun Yim
3-) Sustained effects of comprehensive inpatient rehabilitative treatment and sleeping neck support in patients with chronic cervicobrachialgia: a prospective and randomized clinical trial. Michael Bernatecka, Matthias Karsta, Sonja Merkesdalb, Michael J. Fischerc and Christoph Gutenbrunner.
