IS YOUR PILLOW AFFECTING YOUR HEALTH? WHAT BAD PILLOWS DO TO YOU
If you’re feeling stiff and tired during the day or constantly waking up at night, it could be because of your pillow. Many people don’t think about their pillows when it comes to health, but your pillow plays a significant role in your overall well-being. REST Everyone knows that getting eight hours of sleep per night is ideal for a healthy body and mind, and your pillow can make all the difference in how you sleep. A lousy pillow causes discomfort and makes it difficult to relax, which can prevent you from getting the quality of sleep that is best for your health. STIFFNESS The way you sleep is connected to the type of pillow you use at night. For instance, a side sleeper needs a thicker pillow to support their neck, while a back sleeper needs a thinner one. Your pillow should allow your neck to rest comfortably without straining your muscles. If you’re sleeping with the wrong kind, it can cause
stiffness and pain in the neck, which can lead to dizziness, anxiety, nausea, and headaches. ACNE Breakouts are no fun, and they happen to everyone. Pillowcases tend to collect oil and dirt through constant contact with your skin, hair, and the environment. This buildup can irritate your skin and result in acne. By washing your pillowcase once a week, you can significantly reduce unpleasant breakouts. ALLERGIES Along with collecting dirt and oil, pillows can accumulate dust mites and dead skin cells, which are key triggers for allergies. If you suffer from severe allergies, it’s a good idea to invest in a dustproof, zipper-locked pillowcase to keep irritants away. There’s one excellent way to see if you need a new pillow or not: Try bending it in half. If it returns to its original shape, your pillow is fine, but if it doesn’t, it’s time to invest in a new one.
PINS AND NEEDLES IN YOUR LEGS? GET TO THE ROOT OF THE PROBLEM
FACTORS THAT LEAD TO POOR CIRCULATION
Whether you’re sitting at the office or watching TV at home, no one enjoys having a leg “fall asleep.” Thankfully, the numb, pins-and-needles feeling is rare for many of us and can be shaken off in a few seconds. But for some, having their legs or feet fall asleep is far more common, thanks to poor circulation in their legs. POOR CIRCULATION: KNOW THE SIGNS This recurring numbness may be the result of poor circulation in the legs, caused by plaque building up in your legs’ arteries. When this is the case, these other symptoms may arise: • Cramping in the hip, thigh, or calf after being active. • Legs or feet feeling cold. • Discoloration in the legs. • Sores or blisters on your legs, feet, or toes. These symptoms can make it hard to move and exercise with confidence and are usually linked to one or more health conditions.
There are many health conditions and habits that can lead to poor circulation. For example, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease may be the culprit. On the other hand, if you smoke, have an unhealthy diet, or don’t exercise regularly, these habits could also be the source of your discomfort. Aging also plays a factor; those over 50 are far more likely to experience poor circulation in their legs and feet. TREATMENT Thankfully, if you suffer from poor circulation in your legs or feet, there are steps you can take to reduce the discomfort it causes. Cutting fatty foods out of your diet and doing aerobic exercises regularly are the best ways to improve your overall circulation. However, we understand getting and staying in motion can be difficult, especially if you have joint pain or stiffness. Our physical therapy professionals can help you overcome these challenges and show you some exercises to better improve your circulation.
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