One sleep aid that is used by nearly every person is the pillow. There are many different types of pillows, and these objects have changed and seen many variable forms throughout history.
Because there are many different kinds and styles of pillows available, OnlineClock.net thought it’d be a good idea to give all of our loyal Alarm Clock Blog readers an overview on both the history of pillows, as well as tips on hunting for the perfect pillow.
According to “Really Useful: The Origins of Everyday Things” by Joel Levy, the first proof of a pillow’s existence dates back to ancient Egypt, where pillows were found in several tombs housing Pharaohs. Pillows in the tombs were made of wood at that time. Over the centuries, pillows were adopted by other countries and evolved into softer forms. Ancient Greeks and Romans are credited with creating the first soft pillows, using straw and down. For several thousands of years, the Chinese crafted pillows from stone or hard minerals. Later Europe adopted the pillow also, as recorded by Cherie Fehrman, author of “A Brief History of the Pillow in Europe.”
In the medieval ages, pillows became European works of art; decorated and finely-stitched pillows were a prized possession, only owned by the wealthy and often used strictly for decoration. Between 1500 and 1600 in England, it was believed that only women who were giving birth should use pillows as a comfort aid. By the dawning of the 16th century, pillows had become commonplace as a sleep accessory, but their filling had to be changed regularly due to lice, mold or other damaging effects.
Getting a good night’s sleep will help a person have more time to enjoy the day during wakeful hours. A recent study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control showed between 50 and 70 million people in the United States are not receiving enough sleep, generally feeling drowsy throughout the entire day. This report showed that the average adult needs 7 hours and 18 minutes of restful sleep each night. Scientific research has linked a lack of sleep to many factors, including inappropriate pillows. The need for a good pillow is an important part of a restful night’s sleep, according to respected sleep expert Dr. James B. Maas, a Cornell University professor and the author of “Power Sleep: The Revolutionary Program that Prepares Your Mind For Peak Performance”, which was a New York Times Best-seller.
There are several different types of pillows, in addition to the typical rectangular puffy pillow that is standard.
Body Pillows
Body pillows are very long, often between 4 and 5 feet in length. People who prefer to have one large pillow to snuggle with or lay their head on, hold on to and have a pillow between their knees usually purchase this type of pillow.
Full Body Pillows
Full-body pillows are in the shape of the letter “U,” meant to fit around a person’s sides and provide a place to rest the head. Full-body pillows are also used in many convalescent homes for confused patients who tend to rise out of bed and are at risk of falling, due to lack of motor skills.
Neck Roll Pillow
Neck roll pillows are in the shape of a cylinder, used by people who do not want their head elevated, but prefer to have a neck support. Some pillows are contoured, with a larger surface area where the neck is and a lower surface area where the head rests.
Pillows are made from different fillings, such as down, memory foam or batting. Some pillows are made from different materials, such as beans, sand or even plastic. One such pillow in Japan is made of mesh on the outside, filled with small plastic beads on the inside. Many people today prefer organic materials, as they contain less toxins than traditional filling and fabrics.
Dr. James B. Maas of Cornell University recommends United Feather & Down pillows. He has performed several sleep research studies and has informally worked with United for over 10 years. Maas states that the right pillow is critical for long-term health, noting that it should give the user comfort and automatically put the person in a healthy sleeping posture. United Feather & Down was founded in 1797 and has been well-known for their long-lasting and quality pillows for centuries. Many different types and styles of pillows are made by this company, with the choice of down or down alternative for a filling.
The “Sleep Better Pillow” is a product crafted by neurosurgeon Dr. Burke, who designed it to combat his own insomnia, back pain and neck pain. This pillow is recommended for those who suffer from pain, sleep apnea or simply want an overall good pillow. Its interior is made of memory foam, which is a foam that regains its form once compression is released. When lying on memory foam, the material gives a very soft and cushioned feeling. Memory foam lasts several times longer than regular foam, which tends to become matted down over time. On the bottom of this pillow are several channels, giving room for the arms to move easily without changing the position of the head or neck.
One of the most respected sleep experts is Dr. Micheal Breus. He has appeared on television several times, including the Oprah Show. Author of “Good Night: The Sleep Doctor’s Four-Week Program to Better Sleep and Better Health,” Breus has several recommendations regarding different factors involved with quality sleep, including pillows. He recommends selecting Ambient Comfort Pillows, which are found in several popular department stores (and on Amazon.com). He explains that these pillows help increase the body’s oxygen levels by up to 29%, with the use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology allows the pillow to absorb ambient energy found in the air, then allows it to absorb into the skin when the owner is in contact with the pillow – this creates oxygen.
For sleepers who spend more time on their sides, he also recommends Bed, Bath & Beyond’s Indulgence Pillow. This pillow is hypoallergenic and thick enough to properly support the space between the neck and the bed. Most standard pillows are not thick enough to fill the space between the neck and bed, which is a greater distance when a person is lying on their side, as opposed to lying on their back.
Although each expert may recommend something different, everyone must of course decide for him or herself what the perfect pillow is, and this is often a highly subjective decision.
Firm or soft, memory foam or down – the key to choosing the right pillow is the comfort factor.
Pillows should not irritate skin, should not cause allergies and they should support correct posture. When a pillow is comfortable, it will help aid in sleep. As referenced earlier, the importance of a good night’s sleep is vital. Lack of sleep has been linked to several health problems. According to medical research reported by Medical News Today, a lack of sleep can contribute to high blood pressure, increased cholesterol and Type 2 Diabetes; this type of diabetes is contracted due to the inability to metabolize glucose, which is aggravated by sleep deprivation. Those who develop sleep apnea are also in danger with relation to heart disease.
Finding the perfect pillow may include some trial and error, but when you’ve finally found the right pillow, this may play a significant role in getting a good night’s sleep!
With this in mind, OnlineClock.net wishes all of you – happy pillow hunting !
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