Improve Your Health With a Great Pillow

By Donna Stark

Quick question. How old is the pillow on your bed? Can you even remember the day, month, or year that you bought it? If you are like many other people, you have probably been holding on to it for too long! Did you know that pillows have an "expiration" date? And if you did, do you know that date comes around every six months or so? That may be news to you, but it's not to your body. Your body can probably tell when those six months are about to pass by the amount of pain it feels every time you use your pillows. Here's why.

The Broken Pillow

It's hard to imagine that a pillow can become too damaged to do its job, but it's true. Over time, your pillow will lose its support by becoming crushed, flattened, and misshaped. It can also become unhygienic with excess sweat, dust, dander, and drool. When it gets to this point, there is no reason to use it anymore, so go ahead and give it to your pet dog or cat to use. Take a look at why a good pillow is so important to have.

• Provides support - A supportive pillow is essential during your night of rest because it helps maintain the proper alignment of your spine. If the pillow you use does not provide support, you may end up with back and neck pain.
• Improves health - If an unsupportive pillow is keeping you up at night, you may be looking at chronic sleep deprivation in your future, which can lead to significant health consequences, such as heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure. A comfortable, supportive pillow can help reduce the risk of those from happening, though.
• Increases energy - How many days do you find yourself fighting against fatigue and brain fog? By getting the rest you need (and you will with the right kind of pillow), you will immediately notice a boost in energy and an increase in productivity.

Supportive Pillows Are Your Best Friend

It's time to take a different approach with the pillows in your home and start looking at them as amazing tools for optimal health and wellness. No matter how old you are or what your physical condition is like, you can't go wrong with a fresh, new pillow. So, take a walk around your home and assess all the pillows being used for sleep. If you find any that have seen better days, toss them aside and get yourself some new ones. You won't regret doing so!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in La Verne, Calif.