PILLOW TALK
SOFT OR FIRM? YOUR PILLOW COULD BE CAUSING YOU A BAD NIGHT’S SLEEP
1.5 million Australian adults suffer from sleep disorders. Without a restful slumber our hormones go out of whack, our focus gets foggy and we often crave caffeine or sugar. Before you head to your healthcare provider, you might want to try a new pillow …
PROBLEM: NECK PAIN
If you wake in the night with pins and needles it might be caused by your neck position. “If you’ve developed neck pain due to an overload from awkward or repetitive lifting, or through trauma, having a pillow which lacks even support or doesn’t allow your neck to rest in a comfortable position may prolong your discomfort,” says Melbourne musculoskeletal physiotherapist Richard Christianson. “If you are someone who experiences frequent neck pain and associated disturbed sleep, then having a variety of pillows may be beneficial.”
PROBLEM: TOSSING AND TURNING
“Good sleep hygiene is considered as being able to fall asleep within 20-30 minutes and staying asleep for the first five hours,” says Christianson. “A clear sign that your pillow may not be right for you is persistent tossing and turning in the first 20-30 minutes of trying to go to sleep.” The solution? Christianson suggests you trial some different pillows. One of the main features you should be looking for is self-rated comfort. “Comfort is a personal preference, not a science,” he says.
PROBLEM: TEMPERATURE
If you find you wake with night sweats, you’ll know just how much it takes a toll on your wellbeing. Memory foam pillows with a cooling gel are ideal to help with this. Dunlopillo, who’ve been making pillows for over 90 years and is approved by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, says: “Therapillo Memory Foam pillows provide the same support as regular memory foam, however, the cooling gel layer provides temperature regulation and is ideal for those who tend to be warmer sleepers.” And for those extra-hot summer nights? “Dunlopillo latex pillows are crafted with pincore holes which improve ventilation and prevent a build-up of moisture and heat – great for humid climates.”
PROBLEM: ALLERGIES
Allergy and asthma sufferers should look for pillows with antibacterial properties. Being machine washable is also helpful. Therapillo Memory Foam includes an antimicrobial application which can help keep allergies under control. If you’re looking for something natural, Dunlopillo’s Talalay latex pillows are made from an organic material derived from rubber trees, which is naturally antibacterial.