Are you getting a restful sleep?

Are you experiencing neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain and arm numbness?

Your pillow might be the problem!

 “Pillows can not only impact the quality of our sleep, but also how healthfully we rest and recharge,” as per sleep expert Michael Breus, PhD, a clinical psychologist.

At Broddick Chiropractic and Acupuncture, I have patients that come to me for treatment and I find out they have been using the same $5 dollar pillow for several years!  The general rule of thumb is to buy a new pillow every 12-18 months as the pillow will flatten and break down with time.  If that is not reason enough to buy a new pillow you should also know that it may contain skin cells, mold, mildew, fungus, and dust mites, which make up more than half of an older pillow’s weight.  I also do not recommend that you sleep on a cheap $5 dollar pillow!  You spend a good portion of your life in bed so make the investment in a good pillow that keeps your spine in proper alignment and prevents straining the neck muscles and joints.

When shopping for pillows you need to consider a few things, as not everyone has the same requirements.  You are welcome to call or email Broddick Chiropractic and Acupuncture to discuss this.  Here is a list of some of the things you need to consider:

1) Your personal sleeping style:

Back sleepers: Generally require thinner pillows to prevent your head/neck from being strained forward.  Ideal pillows will also have a “lobe” at the bottom which will cradle your neck.

Side sleepers: Require a firmer pillow to fill the distance between the ear and outside shoulder.  Some newer pillows have firmer sections to allow side and back sleepers to change position on the pillow.

Stomach sleepers: No chiropractor (including myself) will recommend this position as it strains the neck and does not support the spine.  If you must sleep in this position then you should use a very thin pillow or no pillow at all.  A useful tip to provide some support to the low back and to reduce back pain is to place a pillow under your stomach.

2) Pillow stuffing:

 The most common pillows are stuffed with foam, polyester fiberfill, down feathers, memory foam and latex.  There are also pillows that use a combination of some or all of these and provide versatility.  You can also find water pillows that have a water chamber and has memory/fibre fill over top and is adjustable in firmness and thickness.  Another newer pillow uses soft “microbeads” and “adjusts” to your sleeping position and head/neck size.  At Broddick Chiropractic and Acupuncture we carry several different types of the above mentioned pillows as everyone has different needs.  I personally recommend pillows that allow for various sleeping positions and incorporate new technology.

Ultimately, the decision you make is up to you and must fit with not only your sleeping “style” but also within your budget.  You can expect to spend between $60 to $100 for a good pillow.  Investing in a good pillow is important, so speak to an expert before making the purchase!  Happy sleeping!  Dr. Ryan Broddick

Broddick #Chiropractic and #Acupuncture is a pain relief and wellness clinic located at 62 Stanley Street, Ayr, Ontario serving #Ayr #Paris #Drumbo #GlenMorris #Plattsville #Princeton #Cambridge #Kitchener #Waterloo #Brantford #Ontario and surrounding areas.  We offer a number of cutting edge treatment options so please look through our services and products to see how we may be able to help you!  For updated hours, contests, promotions and health information please visit the clinic Facebook and Twitter pages.