Choosing a pillow

Choosing a pillow that is right for you can often be a confusing and complex task given the variety of pillows on the market.  The physiotherapists at First Choice Health understand that the importance of getting a good night sleep should not be underestimated, and that poor sleep can take a toll on your health and wellbeing.

If you are finding sleep difficult due to discomfort or waking up with soreness or headaches, it could be your pillow. Ensuring you have a suitable pillow is an important decision given how long you spend sleeping every night.  If a pillow is the wrong shape, too high, too low or does not have the right amount of support, the neck can be strained into incorrect positions for many hours while sleeping.  It is quite common to wake up with general neck stiffness and soreness as the result of incorrect pillow selection or develop acute wryneck, joint stiffness and locking, muscle strains and headaches over a longer term.

Generally, the optimum position for sleep is with a comfortable neutral posture.  Neutral posture is when your head and neck are in alignment and are well supported. The best way to find the most appropriate pillow is to discuss your needs with your physiotherapist who can assess your posture and sleeping position accurately. You need to consider whether you sleep more on your side, back or tummy and the positions of your head, neck and shoulders while at rest.

If you are thinking of purchasing a pillow off the shelf or online, spend some time first with a trained professional who can give you some advice.  Different types of pillows can be tested, and advice and education given to get the best out of your pillow and maximise an effective sleeping posture. Talk with your physiotherapist today and book in for an assessment to find out which pillow is the right one for you.  It could be the best thing you ever do!