Experience true comfort with pillows: Home remedies for better sleep

A good night’s sleep is about so much more than just rest. It’s the foundation of good health, impacting everything from physical well-being to emotional regulation. And one of the key factors that influence sleep is your pillow. Yes, that same pillow that you’ve likely been using for years on end!

A supportive, comfortable pillow not only aligns your spine but also enhances relaxation, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

In this blog, we’ll explore the many ways in which your pillow can contribute to quality sleep. We’ll also look at some home remedies involving pillows that can help you snooze even better!

So, let’s start with the basics. Why does a pillow matter? In short, it supports your head and neck while you sleep, which helps you maintain the natural curvature of your spine. The wrong pillow or an old, shapeless one can result in headaches, neck pain, and poor sleep overall.

Here are some crucial ways your pillow impacts your sleep:

• Spinal alignment: The right pillow keeps your neck aligned with your spine, reducing the chance of strain.
• Comfort: A soft, supportive pillow can enhance your overall comfort, helping you fall asleep faster.
• Breathability: A breathable pillow prevents overheating, allowing for  cool, uninterrupted sleep.
• Pressure relief: High-quality pillows distribute pressure evenly, reducing discomfort and the need to constantly shift positions.

Choosing the right pillow is essential, but there’s more you can do to maximize your sleep comfort. Let’s take a look at some home remedies that can go a long way in creating a calming environment at bedtime!

Aromatherapy
This is an easy way to make your bedroom feel like a spa! Aromatherapy has been known to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. All you have to do is add a few drops of essential oil onto your pillow case, or lightly spray a pillow mist. Scents such as lavender and peppermint can help calm your mind and ease you into a deep slumber.

Temperature regulation
Heat can make you feel uncomfortable and disrupt your sleep. This is because your body naturally cools down during sleep, and if your pillow traps too much heat, it can interrupt this process.

Here are some ways you can regulate the temperature of your pillow:

• Cooling pillows: Opt for pillows made from breathable materials like latex or memory foam with cooling gel infusions. MM Foam’s latex pillows, for instance, offer natural ventilation, allowing for better airflow and cooler sleep.
  
  
• Cold compress: If you don't have a cooling pillow, try placing a cold compress on your
  pillow before going to bed. This can lower the surface temperature and help you relax.

Elevating the legs
For those who suffer from lower back pain or swelling in the legs, elevating the legs with a pillow can improve sleep quality. This helps to reduce pressure on your lower back and promotes blood flow. Just use a firm pillow under your knees or your thighs to keep your legs slightly elevated. You could also use a body pillow to support your legs from the hips to the ankles. 

Additional tips and tricks

• If you’re a side sleeper, adding an extra pillow between your knees can help alleviate pressure on your hips and lower, keeping your spine in alignment. This is especially important because the lack of proper support can result in shoulder or hip pain.
  
  Check out our blog on the best pillow for side sleepers.
  
  
• It can often be difficult for pregnant women to find a comfortable sleeping position, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. Placing a body pillow or a U-shaped pillow under the belly, between the knees and lower back can support the hips and improve spinal alignment.
  
  
• If you’re prone to allergies, your pillow could be one of the culprits!
  Dust mites, pet dander, and other allergens can accumulate in pillows, triggering sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes that disrupt sleep. Keeping your pillows clean and allergen-free is crucial for a peaceful night's sleep. Wash your pillow covers regularly, and if possible, choose only pillows made from hypoallergenic materials.
  
  

Read our blog on latex pillows vs memory foam pillows.

Conclusion
A pillow is more than just a place to rest your head—it’s a critical component of your overall sleep experience. Choosing the right pillow and incorporating simple home remedies can go a long way in helping you sleep better!

At MM Foam, we offer a wide range of latex and latex-hybrid pillows designed to suit different sleep preferences. Made from 100% natural latex, these pillows are hypoallergenic, durable, and highly breathable, making them the best choice for great sleep! Explore the range here.