For a Better Night’s Sleep Choose Down Pillows
You have probably heard or read that a proper pillow can make all the difference in how well you sleep and rest. Trust me, it’s true. I used to wake up with what I call tension headaches, the base of my neck hurt and the pain ran up the back of my head on into my forehead. So I had a friend tell me about down pillows and I bought a couple of them. Ask me if it helped my headaches! They have made a believer out of me.
It’s true, proper support as you sleep makes a tremendous difference in how you feel the next morning. And it’s as simple as purchasing the right pillow. You will want to get the firmness that is right for you, or the softness. Pillows come in all shapes and sizes, so select the type that works best for you. Down pillows are the most comfortable and can be expensive as well, depending on the quality you purchase. Again, it depends on how important to you it is to sleep well.
Care of your pillows is also important. Fluffing them and keeping them clean as possible are huge factors. You should always at least use pillow cases, but to have pillow covers is even better. Just make sure you clean them as well. All pillows will accumulate moisture to some degree and pillow covers on down pillows will guarantee they will not be as prone to this moisture. Natural oils from the skin will also be prevented by using pillow covers, which is important to the life of your pillow. Cleaning them at least once a week is necessary for the life of your products.
Synthetic materials do not breathe as well as down nor are they as comfortable. It will be cheaper to buy but again what do you want, cheap or comfort? But synthetic is good if you have allergies.
In purchasing the right pillow for you also look at the thread count of the pillow sack, and the level of fill in it. The higher the number the fluffier it will be. Make sure it is authentic down, either goose or Eider, as duck can have an odor. Check whether feathers are added, they can prick with the ends.
Which is another reason to purchase down pillows. If you have allergies you shouldn’t have any problems, down is cleaner, no treating with chemicals, environmentally friendly. So it’s a win -win all around. A hypoallergenic pillow is your best option in the case of allergies.
How do you sleep at night? No, this isn’t an accusatory question designed to invoke feelings of guilt, but rather a genuine interest in your sleep patterns. For years we’ve read articles and listened to doctors with regards to the healthiest ways to sleep, but ultimately we tend to take the position that is most comfortable and effective for us. We are the ones who must manage getting forty winks a night, but if you find that you spend more hours shifting than snoozing, it’s time to re-evaluate your position.
Depending on your current state of health, some positions in bed may be more beneficial to you than others. Comfort is not only an important factor, but it’s important to make sure your airways are clear and that you are able to enjoy a deep sleep to help restore your energy after a long day. How you sleep can affect certain parts of your body, so let’s take a look at some of the better positions to try.
Back Sleeping: When you lie on your back with your head elevated, you can assist healthier digestion and put less pressure on your back. You are less likely to cause sagging skin in this position, too.
Side Position: The side position is generally recommended for pregnant women, as it helps maintain good blood flow to the womb. Sleeping on your side is also believed to help reduce snoring. A more extreme side position – the fetal – is also good for the aforementioned conditions, but if you worry about wrinkles it’s suggested to try something else.
Naturally, the position you most want to avoid – but probably do not because it is comfortable for some – is the stomach position. Not only does this way of sleeping cause distress to your spine, back and neck, but for women there is the risk of sagging breasts and skin.
One thing to remember, too, is that the pillow you buy will depend on the regular position you take in sleep. Thin pillows are usually suggested for stomach sleepers, and if you’re on your side a thick pillow is best for support.
However you sleep, it is important to listen to your body and consider how it reacts. If you feel pain, definitely switch for comfort, and consult a physician if you have other problems associated with sleep. Don’t let another night pass awake in the dark.
Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on latex mattresses and organic mattresses.
Treat Insomnia – An Ayurvedic Way and find natural ways to help you sleep
Insomnia affects many people every night. Many people describe the condition as being tired but not sleepy. They say they can not seem to turn their brains off at night. Going without sleep can have many harmful effects on the body.
While we are sleeping our bodies are very busy. During sleep is when old cells are replaced with new ones. Sleep is necessary in order to recharge our energy supplies. Lack of sleep can cause early signs of aging, fatigue, poor concentration and even hallucinations.
Insomnia can occur for a variety of reasons. The number one cause of sleeplessness is stress. People who lead a busy or stressful life style are more likely to develop insomnia. Other causes are eating spicy or oily food before bed, napping in the afternoon and living a sedentary life style. Some causes can be physiological such as menopause for women or high blood pressure.
According to Ayurvedic texts, insomnia is the result of the vata or the pitta doshas being irritated. Ayurvedic treatments are based on a holistic approach to healing. People suffering from insomnia can take medications to induce sleep. These pills come with side effects such as grogginess the next day and can be addictive.
Herbal Home Remedies and Natural ways to help you sleep
A lot of people prefer a more natural solution. Here are some simple herbal home remedies to try:
1. Aniseed can be brewed as a tea. Drink before bedtime to relax the nervous system. This tea has a pleasant taste like black licorice.
2. Celery relaxes and calms the nerves. Drink one glass celery juice with one teaspoon honey added every night before bed.
3. The juice of the Indian sorrel leaves induces sleep. Mix the juice from the leaves and the oil from the plant in equal parts. Store in a bottle or glass container. Massage into scalp before bed to cool the brain.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurvedic medicine believes the best treatment is to cure the cause of the illness. Some medications may be necessary. Try the powdered form of brahmi, vacha and amalaki. These powders may be taken separately or in a combination.
A treatment called dhara may be used for chronic sleeplessness. Mix two liters buffalo milk with 60 grams of amalaki powder. Bring to a boil and cook until milk curdles. Skim of the curd and use it to make butter. This butter can also help to relax the nerves and promote sleep. Pour the buttermilk into an earthen pot with a small hole in the bottom. Have the patient lie flat on a mat with the pot of buttermilk suspended above their head. The buttermilk should drip slowly and land between the eyebrows of the patient. Perform this technique for 20 minutes every day until insomnia is cured.
Click here to know more about Ayurvedic Home Remedies.
