Getting a good night’s sleep can help you feel refreshed physically and emotionally. It is recommended that adults get between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. The amount of time you sleep is important, but so is the quality of your sleep. Numerous factors can go into the quality of your sleep, including temperature, your mattress, external noise, and even your pillow.
Is Your Pillow Bad for You?
Depending on the type of pillow and what position you sleep in, your pillow may be good or bad for you and your sleep. Below you will find information on whether your pillow is helping or hurting your sleep and what you can do about it.
Sleep and the Role of Your Pillow
While pillows may not drastically improve your sleep, they have the possibility of harming your sleep if you aren’t careful. The two benefits pillows can provide are comfort and support with your sleep position. However, there are possible negative effects that your pillow can have on your sleep. Below you will find what you need to be aware of when it comes to your pillow and sleep.
Neck Pain:
If your pillow is not properly fitted for the position you sleep it can cause neck pain. This not only affects the quality of your sleep at night, but it can impact your day as well. Neck pain from your pillow is caused by not only the position you sleep in, but the type of pillow you have. If you are a side sleeper, you’ll need a pillow that is firm to fully support your head and neck. If you sleep on your back or stomach, you’ll need a pillow that is softer so your neck isn’t improperly positioned.
Loss of Sleep:
If you have a pillow that is improperly fitted for your sleep position style, it can cause sleep deprivation. Loss of sleep not only impacts your ability to stay alert and function throughout the day, but it can also impact your overall health. Sleep deprivation can lead to issues with your mood and mental health, in addition to your ability to process information. It can also affect your appetite as people who are sleep deprived often overeat to compensate for the energy loss caused by little sleep. Chronic sleep deprivation can also lead to obesity, high blood pressure, and heart disease. If you have had issues with sleep for more than a few weeks, it may be more than just your pillow. Consider scheduling an appointment with a sleep specialist as they can diagnose and provide information on sleep disorder treatment options.
Replacement Issues:
The average life of a pillow is one to two years. Many people fail to replace their pillows regularly which can cause two major issues. First, the pillow can fill up with dirt, oil, sweat, dead skin cells, and even acne-causing bacteria. This can cause harm to your facial skin, which is more sensitive than other areas of your body. Second, older pillows tend to flatten out and lose their volume, which can harm your sleep no matter your sleep position.
Sleep Doctor in NYC
If you have had issues with your sleep for more than a few weeks, it’s time to see a sleep specialist. Issues with sleep can impact your physical and mental health in both the short- and long-term. If you have issues with sleep, contact Sleep MD. They can provide support and treatment for whatever sleep issue you may be experiencing. Dr. Mayan Shukla is a sleep doctor with over fifteen years of experience working with patients who have struggled with sleep. He is focused on getting his patients back to their full potential and getting a good night’s rest. If you are experiencing issues with sleep, schedule an appointment with the best sleep doctor in NYC!
