How Cervical Pillows Help in Reducing Sleep Disorders

Overall health often relies on how well an individual is sleeping at night. The quality of sleep is a main indicator of good health and well-being. Millions of people around the world do not get a good night's rest and struggle with certain sleeping conditions and disorders. Many therapies and tests can be done on these individuals to determine the root cause, but one aspect that is overlooked is the types of pillows used. Cervical pillows are specially designed to keep the neck and the spine in proper alignment during sleep. In this article, we will go over how cervical pillows can help reduce sleeping disorders. 

What is a cervical pillow? 

A cervical pillow is an orthopaedic pillow that is made to provide support to the natural position of the neck and spine. Standard pillows are not designed as cervical pillows are, with specific shapes and ridges to align the head, neck, and spine. These pillows are useful in fostering a better sleeping posture. Most cervical pillows are made with a memory foam material to contour the shape of the neck correctly. Cervical pillows assist in reducing incidences of sleep disorders and restless nights. 

How can they help? 

One of the main benefits of using a cervical pillow is going to be the improvement of neck and spine alignment which results in better sleep posture. Many individuals use pillows that do not provide nearly enough support to the neck and often wake up with a stiff neck because of this. The sleeping position also plays a large role in adding additional pressure and stress to the neck and spine. Sleeping on one's stomach over time can lead to the misalignment of the neck and spine which can result in pain that affects sleep. Cervical pillows are designed to fill in the space that is between the neck and mattress. This area is called the cervical spine and is supported by these types of pillows. Proper alignment is linked to better sleep quality and fewer times waking up in the night. 

Neck and shoulder pain are some of the most common complaints from those who experience sleep disorders. Incorrect pillow height can strain the muscles of the neck and shoulder, which can make it difficult to stay asleep. Cervical pillows reduce the risk of muscle stiffness and tension that is caused by poor sleeping posture at night. If there is no muscle stiffness, the quality of sleep that one gets will improve significantly. Certain conditions like spondylosis, whiplash, and muscle strain are supported through the use of cervical pillows. 

High levels of stress in the body can result in poor sleeping habits and patterns. These high-stress levels can also cause muscle stiffness in the neck and shoulder. Chronic stress and anxiety can make it very difficult to fall asleep as well as affecting the quality of sleep an individual will get. Cervical pillows help reduce tension in the neck, allowing the body to fully relax as it is now properly aligned. By relieving pressure points, these pillows can physically reduce symptoms of stress that in turn contribute to negative sleep quality.  With reduced tension in the neck, an individual is less likely to experience tossing and turning before entering a restful sleep. 

Side sleeping is quite popular for many people, but it can lead to a misalignment in the spine and the neck. If there is not enough support from the pillow, muscle tension can build up over time. This discomfort and pain can negatively impact sleep quality. These pillows are designed to fill up the space between the neck and the mattress to provide further support and relaxation. Side sleepers who wake constantly or suffer from sleep disorders will benefit from the alignment that a cervical pillow will provide. 

Snoring and Sleep Apnea are very common and can affect not only an individual's sleep but also the sleep cycle of those who share the same room. Commonly, these conditions can be worsened by improper alignment of the neck and throat. The airway can become partially obstructed in certain angles so a cervical pillow will aid in adjusting the angle of the head during sleep. Although cervical pillows are not a cure for sleep apnea, they can help reduce symptoms and improve sleep. 

Overall cervical pillow can be very helpful to those with or without sleep disorders. Proper neck and spine alignment is important in preventing any pain and discomfort as well as improving sleep. With improved sleep, you will see improved overall health, therefore cervical pillows can be quite helpful in reducing sleep disorders and their side effects.