Tuesday 6 September 2011

Pillow Talk

Choosing a good pillow can help you achieve a quality night of comfortable slumber. With so many pillow types and choices on the market, it may seem like an overwhelming task to find the one that works for you. By following a few tips, you can find a proper pillow for your sleeping style

1. Evaluate sleeping position. The most important factor in choosing a good pillow depending on whether you usually sleep on your side, stomach or back. Back sleepers require something a little firmer .A medium height pillow gives the best support to head & neck . Side sleepers should go for firmer pillows that give support for spot between ear and shoulder , a high pillow allows to lie straight with really relax and have better sleep on that. Stomach sleepers should go for flat pillows, so  neck isn't turned at an uncomfortable angle.Chose a low pillow to minimize muscle tension & pressure on neck.

2. Select your preferred filler material. Foam pillow are fast gaining popularity,buthe they can take a while before you get used to readapts to the firmness of a foam pillow.Foam pillows come in different densities, from firm to soft.
 Memory foam is a high-density temperature sensitive foam.Memory foam molds to your body, reducing pressure points, ,improve comfort, aid in eliminating snoring ,headaches and neck pain.
 Latex provides an option for those who want a mold- and mite-resistant material. Down pillows usually more expensive but it’s soft and easy to mould to the shape of our head.Polyester is soft but not fluffy depending on its quality.

3. Is always wiser to invest on better quality pillow. Choosing the cheapest pillow usually will end up  lower quality and inferior filling, which may break apart quickly in comparison to one of higher quality.

4. Read user reviews of the specific pillow type you're considering on unbiased consumer websites. If the pillow has consistently high reviews, chances are it's a good product.

5. Visit stores that sell pillows and test them. By doing this, you'll have access to a range of pillow options. Spend time lying on an in-store bed in your preferred sleep position with the pillow. Test at least three or four different pillows and base your selection on personal comfort level.

The Importance of a Good Night's SleepGetting a good night's sleep is very important for the body and for the mind. Many adults suffer from either lack of sleep, or lack of 'quality sleep'.We need about 7-8 hours of sleep each night for our mind and body to function at it's best

Immune SystemThe immune system can be severely impacted by lack of sleep. White blood cells (the soldiers of the body) are decreased and the body is therefore more susceptible to illness.Studies in rats showed that while they normally live 2-3 years on average, the sleep-deprived ones lived only about 3 weeks. In addition, the rats showed sores on their bodies that the normal rats did not have. While the rat/human comparison may seem a bit extreme, it does demonstrate the potential impact that sleep deprivation can have on the immune system.

ConcentrationIf you've ever felt even just a little sleepy, you know how hard it can be to concentrate or remember things. If you work for a living, then you probably realize the importance of getting a full 8 hours of sleep before you arrive at the job. Studies show that after 24 hours of being awake, the brain's metabolism slows down significantly.

Rest and RepairSleep is extremely important to children since growth hormone is released as they are sleeping. For children and adults alike, protein production is increased and there is less breakdown of protein while the body is asleep. It is for this reason that bodybuilders insist on getting plenty of rest after a hard workout. The body needs time to recuperate and rebuild itself.

MoodLack of sleep can also effect mood, causing people to become grumpy and even irrational. When forced to make an important decision, the phrase "I'll sleep on it" comes to mind. It's always smart to get a good night's rest, as to avoid doing something we'll regret the next day.