Importance of sleeping with a pillow

Sleeping on a pillow is the best way to rest. Every day humans need time to rest because they have been active all day. Well, easiest way to restore freshness of body is to sleep, at least for approximately eight hours.

One of sleeping habits of Indonesians and some other Asian people is to use pillows, both head pillows and bolster pillows. This habit is very good for health of body.

Using a pillow has been a human habit while sleeping since ancient times. The reason is, it cannot be denied that function of a pillow as a support for comfort during sleep is effective in making us wake up fresher in morning.

Using a pillow while sleeping is an unavoidable necessity. Human spine must remain in a normal position during sleep. Pillows are also a solution to maintain spinal alignment.

Of course, everyone has a different spine shape, but ideal spine composition is pulled straight from ears to ankles, as when we are standing straight. Well, the best sleeping position should form spine like standing straight.

While mattress plays an important role in keeping lower spine properly aligned, a pillow is key to keeping neck in proper position. When spine is not aligned with rest of the body, it can cause a variety of problems, such as muscle pain, joints, and ligaments tightening more than normal.

All of these conditions are at risk of leading to serious injuries, one of which is a ruptured tendon. Often sleeping in a spine position that is not ideal causes back discs to become weak and over time become chronic. Position of pillow is an important element to create spinal alignment.

Be careful sleeping with a pillow that is too high because it will put neck, back, and shoulder muscles in a tense position. Therefore, it is recommended to place pillow in a position that can keep neck in line with chest and lower back.

Many recommend that everyone replace their pillow at least once a year. Pillow absorbs body oils, dead skin cells, and hair, making it a breeding ground for dust mites.

How to know when to change pillows? Try folding your pillow in half. Well, if pillow does not immediately return to its initial position, it means that sign must be immediately replaced with a new one.