Lavender eye pillows are a wonderful way to promote sleep, relieve anxiety, and they can even help reduce headaches and chronic pain in some people. They create a gentle weight and soothing aroma that promotes deep relaxation.
If you’ve never used an eye pillow, you don’t know what you’re missing! These lavender eye pillows are meant to promote relaxation, thanks to their relaxing scent and weight.
Eye pillows are often used in yoga practice for savasana, where I first discovered the bliss of a lavender eye pillow. With basic sewing skills, they are easy to make yourself in a few simple steps.
Grab some dried lavender buds and some popcorn (yes, popcorn) and see just how easy it is to create a calming lavender eye pillow for insomnia and stress relief.
Lavender is known for its calming properties.
The Benefits of Eye Pillows
For many years in my recovery program, I did a gentle Restorative Yoga class where we would hold relaxation poses for a long time. In each 90-minute class, we would only do 6-7 poses in total. The idea was to allow the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) to take a break and strengthen the connection with the parasympathetic nervous system. I suffer from PTSD as a result of childhood trauma, and because of this, my nervous system is pretty much always in fight or flight mode.
I still do restorative yoga poses every evening as I wind down for bed. At the end of practice, the final pose, savasana (or “corpse pose”), is deeply calming. There is nothing like lying on your back, feeling the ground strongly below, and shutting out all other sensations. This is where the lavender eye pillow comes in. The shape and weight of the pillow form to your eyes and create darkness and gentle pressure.
It reminds me of weighted therapy blankets. The heavy fabric is weighted to help you feel protected and comforted. That’s kind of what these pillows do, but for your eyes. The popcorn inside gives them weight and allows them to form perfectly to your face, so they gently and comfortably press down on acupressure points that can help to relieve pain and decrease stress. We carry a lot of tension in our facial muscles without realizing it, especially when we are stressed, and the weight of these eye pillows helps to decrease that tension.
Meanwhile, the dried lavender and lavender essential oil offer aromatherapy that promotes relaxation. Lavender is one of the most commonly used scents for tension relief and sleep. Its calming fragrance can help you to wind down, de-stress, and get a restful slumber.
These pillows are often made with flax seeds, but I chose to use popcorn because it doesn’t have the oil content that can make the flax go rancid. I also like the weight and roundness of the popcorn. This could also be achieved with dried beans.
I like the round feeling of the popcorn kernels, but you can also use rice or dried beans.
How to Make Lavender Eye Pillows
Makes 1 eye pillow
I have included the template for the design “serenity now…insanity later” which may bring you back to 1997 sitcom hilarity along with the instructions to print it on fabric using an inkjet printer. You can certainly skip that step and use any fabric that speaks to you in some way.
Use dried lavender that was recently dried to retain its fragrance.
Make it!
To print the design on the fabric, fold the fabric in half and print one of the sides following the directions here.
Fold and iron a hem on the sides of the fabric.
Fold the fabric so that the back is on the outside (print inside), and sew the long side of the rectangles together.
Turn right side out, fold the ends of the fabric in 1/2″, and iron flat. Sew one end together.
Fill the bag with 1 generous cup of popcorn and 1 heaping tablespoon of lavender. Adjust quantities for your personal tastes.
Push all the filling toward the end of the bag, and pin about halfway to help prevent popcorn from creeping towards the open end. Sew the open end closed, and you’re ready for serenity.
Lavender Eye Pillow FAQ
Do you heat the bag?
Yes! I like to put my bags in the microwave for 15-30 seconds. Never any longer, as I don’t want the popcorn to pop. I like popcorn because the feel of the round kernels, almost massaging the eye. That being said, others prefer to use rice, flax seed, or dried beans.
How long does the lavender last?
The lavender can last anywhere from 6 months to a year before it starts to lose its fragrance. At this time, you can gently use a seam ripper to open one end of the bag, replacing its contents before sewing it back up.
More Herbal Remedies to Try
A city girl who learned to garden and it changed everything. Author, artist, Master Gardener. Better living through plants.
If you’re looking to upgrade your sleep while aging gracefully, hitting the weights may be your secret weapon. Strength training isn’t just about building muscle; it’s a science-backed strategy to enhance restorative sleep, improve mood, and support long-term health—proving that better rest is just a few reps away.
Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.Doctors say don’t do it.Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.”The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.It is better to breathe through your nose most of the timeMouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.Don’t rush to use mouth tapeBut even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.Mouth breathing could be a sign of something serious — so find outThe safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.”The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”
Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.
Doctors say don’t do it.
Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.
“The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.
It is better to breathe through your nose most of the time
Mouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.
If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.
Don’t rush to use mouth tape
But even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.
There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.
And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.
Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.
Mouth breathing could be a sign of something serious — so find out
The safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.
You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.
“The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”
The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”
Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.Doctors say don’t do it.Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.”The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.It is better to breathe through your nose most of the timeMouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.Don’t rush to use mouth tapeBut even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.Mouth breathing could be a sign of something serious — so find outThe safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.”The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”
Having your mouth taped shut is the stuff of nightmares — but some people are doing just that to themselves. And in an attempt to sleep better, no less.
Doctors say don’t do it.
Some on social media say it’s a hack for getting more and better sleep and to reduce snoring. The claims — which are not backed by science — are taking off on places like TikTok, sometimes pushed by people working for companies selling related products.
“The studies behind mouth tape are small, the benefits are modest and the potential risks are there,” said Dr. Kimberly Hutchison, a neurologist and sleep medicine expert at Oregon Health & Science University. Some of those risks include making sleep disorders like sleep apnea worse, or even causing suffocation.
It is better to breathe through your nose most of the time
Mouth breathing in adults is not a major health problem, but it is better to breath through your nose, experts say. Your nose is a natural filtering system, trapping dust and other allergens before they can get to your lungs.
If you’re breathing with your mouth open at night, you could wake up with a dry mouth and irritated throat, which can contribute to bad breath and oral health problems. Mouth breathing is also associated with more snoring.
Don’t rush to use mouth tape
But even though breathing through your nose is better than breathing through your mouth, taping your mouth shut isn’t the best way to fix the issue.
There’s no strong evidence it helps improve sleep. A few studies have been conducted, most of which showed little or no impact, but they were so small experts say conclusions should not be drawn from them.
And meanwhile, there are the potential dangers to be avoided.
Dr. David Schulman, a sleep doctor at Emory University, said there are other things to try, like prescription mouth pieces that can open up your airway, or a CPAP machine. If you’re a smoker or are overweight, for example, quitting smoking and losing weight can help.
Mouth breathing could be a sign of something serious — so find out
The safest approach is to figure out why exactly you are breathing with your mouth, because there could be something else going on.
You may be breathing through your mouth because you have obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep because of a blocked airway. The disorder is linked to both open mouth breathing and snoring, and is typically treated with a CPAP machine.
“The reason sleep apnea can be bad is that any decrease in the quality of sleep can affect you day to day or over the course of your life,” said Dr. Brian Chen, a sleep doctor at the Cleveland Clinic. “Depending on how bad the sleep is, you may just feel sleep deprived or require more sleep.”
The best thing to do, Emory’s Shulman says, is get a sleep test, some of which can be done at home. “It’s always better to know than not know,” he said. “And if you know that something’s going on and you choose not to pursue therapy, at least you know you’re making an educated decision.”
Pillow Cube Side Cube for $66: This isn’t technically a body pillow, but it’s specifically designed for side sleepers (and I love it), so it’s included in this list. This cuboid pillow is designed for the side sleeper, and aims to help with headaches and back and shoulder pains through its unique shape and soft, yet structured, filling. It has a breathable, soft-and-stretchy quilted side case that’s removable with a zipper, and the AeroPluff foam core is comfy, regulating temperature to keep you sleeping coolly. I can sleep only on my side, and one of the problems I regularly have is a sore neck from the gap between my shoulder and my head. This square, 90-degree-angled pillow perfectly fills that gap and sits at a manageable head pillow size of 24 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 5 inches deep. The breathable cover and soft density even helped with ear pressure.
Leacho Snoogle for $50: Though out of stock at the moment, this versatile body pillow is marketed for pregnant people because of its versatility and belly, hip, and knee support. Due to its unique shape, it can be contorted into many figures. With a removable cover made of a polyester/cotton blend and a polyester filling, this pillow is a lot more breathable than similar large body pillows on the list. Because of its unique shape for many positions, the pillow isn’t overstuffed, and I found that the fill tended to sink to the lower foot portion of the pillow when sleeping on it. Overall, this pillow is breathable and extremely customizable in shape, although I would’ve preferred something with a little more filling.
White Noise Memory Foam Body Pillow With Hypoallergenic Zippered Protector for $50: I absolutely love the fill of this 50 x 14-inch pillow—the shredded foam is the perfect mix of structure and softness. If it were wider, 20 or so inches rather than 14 inches, this pillow would be perfect. But because I’m a side-only sleeper, I like to hold the body pillow and wrap my arms and legs around it. Since it is so narrow, my knees knock together on the other side. I may be able to overlook the flaw of its narrowness because the pillow has a super-comfy fill, but I wouldn’t recommend it for bigger people with longer limbs.
Eli & Elm Memory Foam Body Pillow for $130: In my home, we call this one “the 7 pillow” because … well, take a guess. This long, L/7-shaped pillow is marketed as a pregnancy pillow, but it’s great for anyone who sleeps on their side. The short section fits neatly under your head, while the long end can reach down to fit between your legs. It comes with its own custom pillow case, which is great, because it’s not like you’ll have a ton of spares in this shape in your linen closet. —Eric Ravenscraft
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper for $116: The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper pillow is one of the firmest pillows right out of the box of any we’ve tested. You can remove some of the excess fill if you want to reduce that firmness, but if you’re the type of person who likes feeling like they’re sleeping on a very soft rock, this is the pillow for you. It’s not quite big enough for multiple people to cuddle up with, like our Honeydew pick, but for a single person, it’s a great option. —Eric Ravenscraft
Bearaby Cuddler for $229: Bearaby is best known for its weighted blankets, eye masks, and stuffed animals, but it makes other sleep products like heated pads, throw blankets, and the body pillow I tested, the Cuddler. At 75 inches long and 8 inches in diameter, with a filling of plant-based Melofoam, an all-natural foam made from rubber-tree sap, it’s unlike any other pillow fill I’ve slept on. It’s heavier than a stuffed pillow but lighter than memory foam and has a rubbery, bouncy quality. Its springy fill, skinny body, and extraordinary length made it fit awkwardly on the bed, but its bouncy quality and ability to conform into many shapes may make this an attractive pick for some side sleepers.
Not Recommended
Photograph: Molly Higgins
Alwyn Home Butcher Fiber Plush Pillow for $56: This 90 x 19-inch pillow disappoints. It’s egregiously long, which could be helpful for people who are taller or those who like more all-around body support. However, it just doesn’t have enough stuffing to fill 90 inches. The batting inside feels like typical fluffy batting found in homemade pillows, but it bunches throughout the pillow in clumps, leaving gaps where no filling reaches. These gaps often happen where your limbs rest, thus defeating the purpose of having a body pillow for support. The pillow is only about 2 inches deep and didn’t seem to ever spring up after I took it out of the box. I had to shake and knead the fiber to help make it more uniform throughout the inside of the pillow, but it did little to help.
As a side sleeper, you’ll want a pillow that’s long enough to provide support between your arms and pressure points like between the knees. While firmness and softness are a matter of personal preference, you often want a body pillow that strikes the right balance, to provide support without being too heavy or firm for the limbs that rest underneath the pillow. If you’re just looking for a pillow to hug while you sleep, something lighter and softer is best. But if you have joint or spinal pain, something a bit more firm with more support is best. You’ll also want to think about which pillow shape will support which part of your body best, depending on your needs. I’m a strict side sleeper, but I toss and turn between both sides, so pillows with support on either side were tested too. I also tend to curl into a more fetal position, so I wanted something that had enough width to fully wrap my legs and arms around.
While many head pillows and mattresses favor memory foam, depending on the foam’s denseness, it can feel too heavy for a side sleeper whose limbs go underneath the pillow. Polyester or other synthetic filling is often the most plush and malleable but may not provide enough support. Many have a mixture of both or shredded memory foam, which can provide structure while still being soft enough to sink into. This depends on personal preference and need, but fill type is something to be aware of when looking for the perfect side-sleeper body pillow.
A standard body pillow that’s long enough to provide full-length support for the body is ideal, giving enough room to stretch out or cuddle in various positions. Body pillows in U or C shapes can provide more overall support and are ideal for pregnant people or those with back or leg issues, but can often make the sleeper run hot because of all of the surrounding material. But ultimately, the preferred shape is largely dependent on what parts of the body you want most supported in the side-sleeping position.
I tested (slept with) each of the pillows for at least a week while sleeping, lounging, and sitting to see how the fill changed and moved over time. I contorted them in many shapes, and measured how supported I felt in different positions. I removed and added fill if I was able, and removed and washed covers to see how they were affected by cleaning and tested the differences with or without a cover.
Since the start of the pandemic, many people’s daily routines have fluctuated. That means waking up later in the mornings and eating and drinking later into the evenings. This lack of consistency can have significant impacts on both physical and mental health.
Confused by the terms used to describe bamboo bedding? Here’s a quick breakdown.
Bamboo type: You’ll see bamboo rayon, viscose, or lyocell listed for the bamboo, which explains what method was used for turning the bamboo into fibers that could become sheets. Rayon is the cheapest, while viscose is a slightly better production process, and lyocell is the most ideal process (but still not a perfect one, and usually the most expensive).
Certifications: Some companies will label bamboo sheets as organic, using certifications like Oeko-Tex. You can learn more about organic certification terms here to understand what they each mean, and our thoughts on organic bamboo in our FAQs below. You might also see FSC-certified, which means it was sourced through sustainable forests certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Honorable Mentions
Cariloha Classic Bamboo Sheets for $239: Cariloha’s Classic Bamboo Sheets have a twill weave, which has a diagonal thread pattern and doesn’t sound as soft as a sateen weave that has a three-over-one pattern. But these sheets still felt super soft, and the softness difference compared to the pricier Retreat Sheets ($339) was minor for such a big price difference. There’s no corner straps, though.
Ettitude Luxe Sheet Set for $470: These sheets are fantastically soft and use a combination of bamboo lyocell and bamboo “biochar” to make them antifungal and odor-resistant. They ran a little warm for my liking, but if you’re looking for something to keep odors and fungi away, these could be the splurge for you. Ettitude previously called these Airy+ instead of Luxe, but both use a combination of lyocell and biochar.
Honeydew Sheets for $230: These sheets felt a little stiff at first but softened up a bunch after washing. They also come with a securing strap, so they’re a good option for taller mattresses. The only downside is that they’re only available in two colors, but if you want white or a nice dark gray, you’re in luck.
My Sheets Rock the Regulator Sheet Set for $199: These sheets are super soft. They promise to regulate your temperature, but I found myself waking up a little too warm some nights. If you aren’t a hot sleeper, these are overall soft, comfortable sheets to sleep on.
Quince Linen Bamboo Bundle for $255: This set would have been a pick if it were still available. It’s a fantastic combination of linen and bamboo that gets the best of both worlds: the softness and cool touch of bamboo with the structure and airflow of linen. It’s a great pick for hot sleepers—if it resurfaces, buy it!
Quince Bamboo Sheet Set for $130: Quince makes some solid sheets, and these bamboo ones are super soft. They’re a little heavy for me as a hot sleeper, but otherwise come in a nice range of colors and have an Oeko-Tex certification, meaning no harmful chemicals were used. Quince also says the bamboo is organic, but there aren’t any certifications to confirm that (more below on our thoughts on organic bamboo bedding).
Sunday Citizen Bamboo Sheet Set for $109: WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe found these sheets to be super soft and fantastic to sleep on. But even with the claimed deep pockets, they tended to pop off her mattress, and other picks like Luxome’s sheets feature straps that will avoid that problem.
FAQs
What Types of Bamboo Are There?
There’s a few different terms you might see when describing the bamboo fibers that make up a set of bamboo sheets. Bamboo isn’t naturally a soft fiber, so it goes through a harsh chemical process to break it down and turn it into fibers that can be woven into sheets. Each different name lets you know what kind of process was used and what kind of chemicals (and chemical off-put) were involved.
Bamboo rayon and bamboo viscose are sometimes used interchangeably, though they shouldn’t be since they aren’t exactly the same. Rayon is likely a term you’ve seen before, since it’s a general term used for fabric made from regenerated cellulose. Bamboo rayon usually suggests that it’s semi-synthetic and might not be 100 percent bamboo. Meanwhile, bamboo viscose also uses bamboo cellulose as its base, though it has a slightly different process. Viscose is another type that isn’t limited to bamboo. Just about every sheet I’ve tested claims to be 100 percent bamboo viscose.
Bamboo lyocell is the best of the three, because lyocell has a closed-loop process, which means that almost all of the chemicals used to make more lyocell get reused rather than dumped. Lyocell is a fantastic-quality fabric that makes for a great cooling sheet, so it’s a term to look for if you want to stay cool while you sleep.
Are Bamboo Sheets Cooling?
While bamboo is absolutely cool to the touch when you first climb into bed, I often find that bamboo bed sheets can warm up quite a bit throughout the night. Some companies claim that the bamboo fibers can help regulate your temperature and wick away moisture. As a hot sleeper, I haven’t found this true with every set of bamboo sheets. Some have a weave that’s too heavy to keep me cool on hot nights, since no amount of promised moisture-wicking can replace good airflow to keep you cool. There are a few sets of bamboo bed sheets I recommend below that keep me cooler than others, but I recommend visiting our guide to the Best Cooling Sheets if you want to consider all kinds of bed sheets that could keep you cool, from bamboo to cotton percale and even sheets with phase-change material (or PCM) blended in.
Can Bamboo Sheets Be Organic?
Unlike cotton fabrics, which have the Global Organic Textiles Standard or GOTS, there’s no overarching certification to verify if bamboo is organically sourced. Many sheet makers will say the bamboo is organic, but with no main certification to confirm this, it’s hard to say without a doubt that any bamboo sheets are fully organic.
Instead, you’ll usually see Oeko-Tex certifications, which confirm that no harmful substances were used, and sometimes you’ll see Forest Stewardship Council or FSC certifications, which confirm the bamboo was sustainably sourced. Hopefully a primary bamboo organic certification will come out in the future to better inform bamboo textile shoppers. You can learn more about existing organic certifications in our guide here.
Does Thread Count Matter?
Bamboo sheets have a thread count, just like cotton sheets, describing how many threads are in a square inch of the fabric. You don’t want too high of a thread count—anything over 800 is purely marketing-speak, and higher thread counts can mean shorter, lower-quality fibers. It’s better to have fewer fibers that are longer and stronger.
Bamboo made into rayon, viscose, and lyocell can be manipulated into a long thread more easily than cotton, of course, so we haven’t seen the crazy-high thread counts listed on bamboo sheets. Many of these sheets are also a sateen weave, which is a three-over-one thread style, leading it to feel softer but not be as breathable. It’s not always so simple as sateen will make you hot, of course; our favorite cooling bamboo sheets from Ettitude have a sateen weave, so it depends on several factors.
The takeaway? Don’t worry about thread count. Focus on type of weave and reviews (like ours!) to get a better idea of whether a set of bamboo sheets (or any other kind of sheet) will suit your sleep needs.
How Does WIRED Test Bamboo Sheets?
For our bamboo sheets guide, I compared our picks both overnight and side by side for softness, cooling properties, and price. Each set of sheets was slept on anywhere between two and seven nights, depending on how it performed, and was washed multiple times to check for pilling or design flaws. I’m a hot sleeper living in Southern California, with my bedroom on the third floor of my home, so it’s been easy to discover if sheets can’t keep me cool all night long. I also looked at each sheet’s quality in reference to the price to see what sheet sets were really worth investing in after testing each one.
How Does WIRED Obtain Sheet Samples? What Happens to Samples After Testing?
All sheets in this guide were obtained as testing samples from companies. We obtain these sheets with no obligation to cover or promises for what coverage could look like. When testing is complete, the top picks are held onto for long-term testing, while the rest are donated locally.
Most Americans will set their clocks back on Nov. 2 for daylight saving time, but a new study suggests the two annual time changes may actually be harmful to our health. Jamie Zeitzer, co-author of the study and co-director of the Stanford University Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences, joins CBS News to unpack the findings.
As a side sleeper who struggles with chronic illness, I require support and pressure relief in a mattress. This is where I like the Saatva Rx as a specialty option for those dealing with literal pain points. The Rx, if you couldn’t already infer from the name, was designed for more medically inclined situations where you need to treat joints with care.
By following a hybrid design of therapeutic foams and pocketed coils, the Rx manages to pull this off. While this may not be the firmest option to support sleepers with back pain, WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell found that the softer appeal speaks to side sleepers. She reports that her joints felt weightless with no pressure buildup. The Rx features an organic cotton cover, support quilting, and a focused layer in the middle of the bed for lumbar support, incorporating microcoils, phase change material, and graphite-infused memory foams. Additionally, it includes pocketed coils, with extra reinforcement on the edges for enhanced edge support. Another perk for pain purposes? This mattress also comes with included white glove delivery, so you won’t have to handle the setup and removal of your old mattress.
Materials
Organic cotton cover, lumbar support foam, gel infused foam, graphite- and phase change material-infused foam, micro coils, pocketed coils
Sleep might be the most underrated step in your skincare regime. While we can slather on the serums and stick religiously to our SPF routine, if we spend eight hours a night scrunching our face into the pillow, all that effort could be quietly undone. According to leading dermatologists and aestheticians, how we sleep matters just as much as how long we sleep – and the way our face meets the pillow at night could be accelerating facial wrinkles, sleep lines and even fine lines before their time. Nightmare!
But, before you go booking that botox appointment, hear us out: with a few thoughtful tweaks to your sleeping position, bedding, and nighttime skincare, you can help keep those tell-tale creases at bay. Think of it as future-proofing – choosing a pillow that supports your head without squashing your cheeks, swapping to a silk pillowcase that lets your facial skin glide instead of crumple, and layering hydrating and collagen-boosting formulas so your skin can repair as you rest. These small changes don’t just help prevent crease-related skin aging — they can also make your nightly wind-down feel a little more luxurious, and have you waking up looking (and feeling) noticeably more rested.
SKIP TO FAQs:
Meet the experts:
What are sleep wrinkles?
Sleep wrinkles are different from the lines caused by our repeated facial expressions – laughing, frowning, smiling – during the day. Dr Raffaella Gabassi at Dermaclarité explains that “Sleep wrinkles are lines that form when the face is repeatedly pressed against a pillow. Unlike expression wrinkles, they’re caused by pressure and compression, rather than muscle movement.”
Harley Street Dermal‘s Dr Hayder Ria agrees that the way we position our face overnight can subtly shape how our skin ages. “When you repeatedly press one side of your face into the pillow night after night, you’re effectively creasing the skin and putting pressure on delicate structures beneath,” he says. “Over time, this can lead to visible changes such as fine lines across the forehead, volume loss under the eyes, and subtle asymmetry that patients often don’t notice until it’s pointed out.”
While a quick crease from a pillow might disappear within minutes in your twenties, collagen and elastin naturally decline with age, so the skin loses its ability to bounce back. Unfortunately, that means temporary sleep lines can settle into more permanent facial wrinkles.
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What causes sleep wrinkles?
According to dermatology expert Dr Gabassi, “Sleep wrinkles are caused by pressure, friction, and skin folding against pillows. When the face is pressed into the pillow, the skin and underlying structures are compressed into unnatural positions, disrupting collagen and elastin. Over time, visible creases will appear. Side or stomach sleeping, thin or delicate skin, reduced collagen with age, and certain pillow fabrics can all increase the chances of sleep wrinkles forming.”
Dr Ria has seen this play out countless times in his clinic. He warns that having your favourite side can be especially impactful: “It’s incredibly common for people to have a ‘sleep side’, and over years it shows.” Repeatedly pressing one side of your face down can cause sleep lines to appear more prominently on that side of your face.
Even your pillowcase fabric can play a role. Coarse cotton can create friction and contribute to wrinkle formation, while smoother fabrics found in a silk pillowcase, a satin pillowcase, or a smooth sateen pillowcase, allow the skin to glide rather than drag.
Pure Silk Queen Pillowcase With Scalloped Edge
Sateen Organic Cotton Pillowcases
Can sleep wrinkles be reversed?
Dr Gabassi says, “Early sleep wrinkles can soften with treatments such as skin boosters or microneedling, which encourage collagen renewal. Topical retinoids and peptides can also help, but deeply set sleep lines can be resistant and may require injectable treatments like dermal fillers.”
If you’re not a fan of needles, BeauSkin London‘s Abi Oleck shares her go-to holistic tools for supporting skin while you sleep:
Silk and satin pillowcases: smooth fabrics reduce tugging, keep your skin hydrated, and help prevent those deep pillow creases.
Anti-wrinkle pillows: designed to cradle your head and reduce pressure on cheeks and eyes.
Breathwork and mindset: lowering stress hormones like cortisol can slow collagen breakdown. “Taking five minutes to breathe deeply or journal before bed can make a real difference to sleep quality.”
Nightly facial massage: helps relax the body and mind. “A simple lymphatic drainage massage before bed reduces puffiness and supports skin repair overnight. Choose a good quality oil to aid skin barrier repair.”
“In clinic we refer to emotion skincare which is not just topical, it is a ritual of restoration. Sleep is where true healing begins — physically, emotionally, and cellularly. The right pillow, the right fabric, and the right mindset all work together to keep your skin lifted, hydrated, and glowing,” says Abi.
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How to prevent wrinkles when sleeping
Both dermatologists and facialists agree that prevention is all about removing mechanical pressure from the skin while you sleep.
Dr Gabassi’s advice is clear: “Back sleeping is the most effective way to prevent sleep wrinkles. You can also use a silk or satin pillowcase to minimise friction, and keep your skin well-hydrated with a nourishing night cream or serum to maintain elasticity.”
Dr Ria lists his top five tips for skin-friendly sleep:
Train yourself to sleep on your back – it’s the gold standard for preventing creases and asymmetry.
Invest in a silk pillowcase – this helps skin glide against the pillow rather than crumpling.
Use a supportive pillow – memory foam, wedge or V-shaped pillows can reduce pressure on delicate areas.
Keep skin hydrated before bed – layer a hydrating serum and barrier cream to support overnight repair.
Prioritise sleep hygiene – avoid alcohol late at night, reduce screen time, and get 7–9 hours of quality sleep to give your skin the best chance to repair.
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What other skincare products can help prevent sleep wrinkles?
Your choice of skincare matters too. “Applying any of these before bed, alongside a deeply hydrating night cream or facial oil, will help to protect the skin,” advises Dr Gabassi:
Retinoid products stimulate collagen production.
Peptide-infused creams help to repair the skin.
Ceramides help to strengthen the skin barrier.
Hyaluronic acid serums plump the skin.
Antioxidants like vitamin C protect structural proteins from breakdown.
Abi Oleck stresses that products work best when the skin is clean and ready to absorb them. “Firstly, please never sleep in make up or without washing the daily grime from your skin. When you sleep in your makeup, you trap toxins and free radicals against the skin, speeding up collagen loss and preventing overnight repair. Nighttime is when your skin should be healing, but makeup or the daily grime left on at bedtime disrupts this process, leading to congestion, inflammation, and premature ageing.”
Incorporating a targeted skincare routine before bed gives your skin the raw materials it needs for overnight repair, improving skin elasticity and skin hydration so it’s more resistant to wrinkle formation. Prioritise rich, moisturising night creams and anti-aging masks that do the hard work while you’re giving it Zzzs.
Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask 75ml
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream
What is the best sleeping position to avoid sleep wrinkles?
We know, we’ve mentioned it a lot — but back sleeping really is best.
Dr Gabassi confirms, “Sleeping on your back is best, as it prevents the face from pressing into the pillow and reduces compression lines.”
Dr Ria goes as far as to call back sleeping the “gold standard” for preventing sleep lines. It eliminates the compression that happens when you sleep face down or as a side sleeper, which creates creases on the side of your face pressed into the pillow.
If you really find back sleeping difficult (we hear you!) it’s worth investing in a top quality memory foam pillow that’s designed to keep your head, neck and shoulders perfectly aligned, meaning that when you do drift off, you’ll be less likely to fidget and find your way back to your default side or stomach position.
Memory Foam Pillow – White
The role of sleep in skin health
Beyond mechanics, sleep itself is fundamental to skin health. “As a holistic aesthetician and facialist, I see first-hand how lifestyle, emotional wellbeing, and the simplest daily rituals can transform our skin,” says Abi Oleck. “One of the most underestimated yet powerful treatments I recommend to my clients is sleep. We often chase the latest serum, treatment, or device, but if we’re not giving our skin time to heal while we sleep, we’re working against ourselves. We truly do need our ‘beauty sleep’.”
“When we sleep deeply, our skin goes into repair mode. Collagen and elastin rebuild, inflammation calms, and hydration levels restore. Miss out on good sleep, and your skin will soon tell the story —dullness, puffiness, and lines become more visible. I always remind my clients: your night routine starts long before the products touch your skin — it starts with rest itself.”
In other words, you can’t buy your way to great skin if you’re not getting a good night’s sleep.
Ideal Silk Sleep Eye Mask
The verdict: best sleeping position to prevent wrinkles
Sleep lines might seem harmless, but over the years they can become etched into the skin – especially if you’re a dedicated side sleeper or often sleep face down. (Hello, crow’s feet). While you don’t need to overhaul your whole bedtime routine, being mindful of your sleeping position, pillowcase, skincare habits – and let’s not forget, overall wellness – can protect your skin’s collagen and skin elasticity long-term.
As Dr Ria puts it, “Your sleeping habits are something you do every single night, for years of your life – so it makes sense they leave their mark. By making small adjustments now, you can prevent changes that would otherwise show up later.”
So yes, beauty sleep is real. And the best sleeping position for avoiding sleep wrinkles? Back sleeping – combined with a high-quality silk pillowcase and eye mask, hydrating skincare, and the kind of deep rest your skin will thank you for in the morning.
Create a nighttime “power down” ritual: Your wind down routine can involve relaxing activities that don’t involve a screen, like journaling, reading, or listening to an audiobook. “A nighttime ritual helps your body know it’s time to go to bed,” Mysore notes. That said, she recommends against eating, drinking, or exercising too close to bedtime, as these things can be counterproductive.
Sleeping on one of the best silk pillowcases is said to come with a whole host of beauty benefits, including anti-ageing properties for our skin and smoothing properties for our hair. In fact, silk helps to retain the skin’s natural moisture while we snooze, keeping it soft and supple, and in turn reduces fine lines, wrinkles and breakouts. Sure, they cost a bit more upfront than linen or cotton, but the payoff is priceless – deep, luxurious sleep.
So, if you’re yet to invest in this beauty editor’s must-have, you’re seriously missing a trick. But fear not, we’ve outlined the benefits of switching to silk, along with our editors’ tried-and-tested recommendations of the best silk pillowcases to invest in today, to help you achieve the best beauty sleep of your life.
Typically, silk pillowcases are sold either individually or in pairs, and can be used separately to complement our luxe bedding set-up. But for all-out opulence, look for complete pure silk bedding sets, sheets, and bedspreads. Throw in an electric diffuser, sleep mask, and a weighted blanket, and you’re in for a serious sleep upgrade.
Silk pillowcases FAQs, answered:
Meet the expert:
How we tested the best silk pillowcases:
With so many silk pillowcases on the market – differing in silk grade, momme weight, size, and care instructions – it can be tricky to know which one truly delivers on comfort, durability, and beauty benefits. To cut through the noise, we tested a wide range of silk pillowcases across weeks of use to find the ones genuinely worth the investment.
We focused on pillowcases made from high-quality mulberry silk, all with a minimum of 19 momme for optimal softness and longevity. Our testing spanned different closures (envelope vs. zipper), fit across standard and king pillows, and additional features like hypoallergenic properties or OEKO-TEX certifications. While most of our testing was done with standard-size pillowcases, we also included king, travel and square sizes to accommodate different needs.
Each silk pillowcase in this round up has been evaluated for its smoothness, breathability, ease of care, along with any notable beauty benefits we noticed after switching to silk. We also considered whether they held up well after repeated washing, before giving each one a score out of 10. Lean more about how we test.
Why you can trust GLAMOUR
We’re picky when it comes to sleep. At GLAMOUR, we don’t just take brands at their word. We speak to the experts (think sleep scientists and facialists), dive into the nitty-gritty of skin health and hair care, and most importantly, we test the silk pillowcases ourselves.
Our editors know what it’s like to deal with insomnia, skin concerns, and allergies firsthand, so we take the job seriously. We sleep on these silk pillowcases for weeks – not just a night or two – and we focus on how our skin and hair feel, how gentle the fabric is, and whether we wake up refreshed or with irritation. If it doesn’t pass the test, it doesn’t make the cut. Simple as that.
Ahead, our full edit of tried and tested silk pillowcases to elevate your beauty sleep tenfold.
Self-hypnosis may sound like a suspicious concept, but according to David Spiegel, M.D., a Stanford psychiatrist and co-founder and chief scientific officer of Reveri, who’s been studying hypnosis for over 40 years, it’s actually an incredibly powerful and therapeutic tool if you know how to use it.
For itchy skin conditions, identifying your triggers (which differ for everyone) is key. From there, keep your skin barrier strong and healthy with moisturizing, lipid-rich ingredients—think ceramides, squalane, fatty acids, etc. Galaria also recommends investing in a humidifier, since a dry environment can damage the moisture barrier and lead to itchiness and irritation.
As foreboding as it sounds, nothing lasts forever—not even your mattress, sheets, and pillows. It’s essential to know how often to replace your mattress and bedding, not just for hygiene reasons, but for ensuring you’re getting optimal support and comfort to aid in sleep. I have seen some severe cases of people using wildly outdated or damaged mattresses (think 20 years or more, or covered in duct tape), and pillows so shredded into tatters that it makes you wonder how they even resembled pillows in the first place.
Please don’t do this. I beg of you! Not only because I’m a professional mattress tester and certified sleep science coach, but also because I can tell you confidently that this is not helping your sleep.
Let’s break down the lifespan of key items in your bedroom, so that when they break down, you’re expecting it. In terms of replacements, not to worry, as we have got you covered there too. From pillows and cooling sheets to the best mattresses, we’ve tested it all.
Table of Contents
When to Replace Your Mattress
Photograph: Julia Forbes
Photograph: Julia Forbes
Photograph: Julia Forbes
Photograph: Julia Forbes
Tiami
Luxury Hybrid Mattress
You’ve probably heard this statistic before: You spend a third of your life asleep on your bed. That alone justifies the cost of a quality bed built to support you and your needs. But with nightly use inevitably comes the breakdown of materials. Think of car mileage stacking up with every drive—sleeping on a mattress isn’t too far off. The rate of deterioration will depend on factors like how many sleepers are using the bed, their respective body types, the mattress materials themselves, the surrounding bedroom temperature, and the bed frame you’re using.
Your mattress has to hold up sleepers with consistent support, and the frame needs to hold up the mattress so it can do its job. Over time, sagging can happen along the edges of the mattress or even in the middle of the bed if there’s not enough support.
This is also where the type of mattress you have comes into play. All-foam mattresses will deteriorate a lot faster than hybrid mattresses, as the interior coils of a hybrid maintain structural integrity. So when you see reinforced coils for edge support, it’s not just about keeping you supported while you sit and lie at the edge; it’s also a means of preventing edges from sagging over time.
You can expect that a new mattress will last you anywhere from eight to 10 years. If you see any premature sagging, cracking, or issues with materials before then, that is a sign of a defective product, and it would be a good idea to check your warranty.
What About Mattress Toppers?
Photograph: Kat Merck
Saatva
Graphite Memory Foam Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers are great because they give your mattress some extra support and can extend its life. They’re not infallible, though—if you’re using a topper to beef up an already past-its-prime mattress and the topper starts to lose steam, the jig is up. Since toppers are usually just a slab of foam (sometimes, microcoils), they’re going to compress rather quickly. Again, depending on your build and usage of the topper, you’re looking at anywhere from three to five years—maybe a smidge more depending on the thickness and density of the foam used. And, depending on the setting you were using your topper in (like, in a college dorm), you may want to consider retiring it immediately afterward.
When to Replace Your Pillows
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Coop Sleep Goods
Original Adjustable Cutout Pillow
Finding a comfy pillow is tricky business—one could argue even more so than a mattress. Unfortunately, they have a much shorter lifespan than mattresses. Depending once again on a pillow’s fill, two years is usually the max. Some pillow life spans may even be shorter than that, so you’ll just have to keep an eye on its appearance when you regularly wash it (that wasn’t a suggestion by the way, more like an order). Your pillow soaks up body fluids like drool and sweat, which can easily turn into yellow stains (not to mention smells) without proper cleaning and maintenance. The fill can also easily bunch up over time, especially with fillings like shredded latex and foam. The easiest telltale sign that it’s time for your pillow to go, though, is neck pain. As soon as you sense your pillow is becoming your cervical alignment’s downfall, it’s time for it to go.
When to Replace Your Sheets
Courtesy of Cozy Earth
Photograph: Nena Farrell
Cozy Earth
Bamboo Sheet Set
Sheets can be a little more slippery (and not just because of the material) when it comes to gauging how long they’ll last. And by sheets, I mean a fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcases—your standard sheet set. If you have a go-to set that you use and wash weekly, two to three years of use is a reasonable estimate based on how well the material holds up. The life of your sheet set can be even longer with certain weaves and materials, and by following washing and care instructions precisely as directed.
For example, my bamboo sateen Cozy Earth sheets have held up well past the three-year mark. I credit the strength of the bamboo viscose and sateen weave, and following the washing instructions with care, for this long-lasting result. Plus, if you’re spending a mint on some nice sheets, I strongly encourage you to treat them like they’re made of butterfly wings and unicorn hair anyway.
A “chronotype” is any one of four different circadian rhythm types (Lion, Bear, Wolf, and Dolphin), with some being more suited for early mornings, and others, late nights. I’m definitely a wolf, and while I know I’ll never be someone who wakes up at 5 a.m., what counts is how I feel when I do wake up, even if that’s 9 a.m.
It’s no secret that quality sleep is an integral part of our overall well-being, but the more we come to know about sleep, the more we learn about how it truly affects the body. And according to a study published in European Heart Journal–Digital Health, the heart is no exception. Here’s what researchers discovered when studying how bedtimes affect heart health.
In terms of aesthetics, it’s also certainly one of the prettiest pregnancy pillows we’ve reviewed. Choose from muted stripes and spots, pretty botanical patterns, and unique whimsical prints — and rest assured that every single pillow cover is made from super soft cotton, and is also totally safe to go in the washing machine.
Why we love it: If you’ve always been a back sleeper, adjusting to snoozing on your side during pregnancy can be quite tricky. But with this trusty U-shaped pillow, it’ll be far less easy for you to toss and turn into the a different position. The result? A secure and supported sleep for you — as well as maximum safety for your baby.
Designed to take the pressure off your bump, reduce back and hip pain, and even provide leg support, it’s the pillow to pick if you’re after full-body orthopaedic assistance. Plus, you can even use it for additional back support when sitting up post-pregnancy, as well as to raise your baby towards you during breast or bottle feeding.
DreamGenii Pregnancy Support and Feeding Pillow
Pros
Designed to support your bump, back and knees.
Can double up as a feeding pillow.
Removable cover is washable.
Cons
Some reviewers say the back support doesn’t stop them rolling onto their back at night.
Why we love it: This uniquely shaped pillow from Dreamgenii is designed to help you sleep on your left side for optimal comfort while providing targeted support for your bump, back, and knees. Intended for use starting at 20 weeks of pregnancy, the pillow is designed to encourage ideal foetal positioning and enhance blood circulation between you and your baby.
If you’re used to sleeping on your back, it may take a few nights to adjust, but you’ll soon find that it gently encourages the left-side sleeping position. The longer section of the pillow can be placed between your legs to support your knees and hips, or it can be wrapped around your bump for additional support while sitting. What’s more? After baby arrives, it doubles as a feeding pillow.
Best large pregnancy pillow
Silentnight Body Support Pillow with Pillowcase
Pros
Can be used in a many different positions from pregnancy support to extra comfort when sitting up in bed or nursing.
Comes with a handy pillowcase for extra protection.
Machine washable.
Cons
On the thicker side, so while it provides good support, it may be am little large for some.
Why we love it: One of the largest options in our guide, this support pillow offers comprehensive full-body support from head to toe and is designed for those seeking maximum stability and comfort while sleeping.
Reviewers say it provides exceptional support for your bump, back, legs, and hips, ensuring a restful night’s sleep throughout your pregnancy. However, at 1.98kg, this pillow is definitely on the heavier side, which may make it a bit challenging to adjust or move around during the night. That said, we think it’s a solid choice for those who prefer a more substantial and supportive option.
Pregnancy pillow FAQs:
What are the different types of pregnancy pillow?
Pregnancy pillows come in an incredibly wide range of different shapes of sizes. Most of them are named after the letters of the alphabet that they most closely resemble — like so:
U-Shape pregnancy pillows support everything from your neck down to your ankles on both sides of your body. They are a top pick for women who liked to sleep on their backs pre-pregnancy , as well as for mums-to-be in need of extra lower back support.
C-Shape pregnancy pillows are slightly smaller and more compact — offering targeted support wherever you particularly need it. They’re great for placing underneath your baby bump, and can also double as a nursing prop once the baby arrives.
J-Shape pregnancy pillows are essentially half of a U-shaped pillow — so you can use it on either side of your body. They’re popular amongst side sleepers, but will require moving and repositioning during the night if you often switch between sides.
I-Shape pregnancy pillows are essentially just full body bolster pillows that you put between your knees and use to support the front half of your body.
Wedge pillows look like a wedge of cheese, and can be placed under your belly or used to support the back. They offer targeted support, and are typically the cheapest kind of pregnancy pillow you can buy.
When should you get a pregnancy pillow?
It’s generally recommended to start using a pregnancy pillow as soon as possible — before you begin to feel uncomfortable or experience pain while sleeping. “For most women, a pregnancy pillow will start to sound like a good idea from around 20 weeks — as the tummy starts to get heavier,” says Baby and Parenting Expert, Rachel FitzD. “However, those with more flexible joints might even start to ache and get pelvic girdle pain before the start of the second trimester.”
How do you use a pregnancy pillow?
It’ll vary depending on the shape and type of pregnancy pillow you’ve picked, but as a general rule, you should be positioning your pillow to support any area where you’re experiencing discomfort. You’ll likely need to experiment with a few different sleeping positions before you find one that’s right for you.
Are C-shape or U-shape pregnancy pillows better?
Both U-shaped and C-shaped pregnancy pillows can be effective, depending on your individual needs and preferences. U-shaped pillows offer the maximum amount of support — however, they take up a lot of space, and can be a little too cumbersome or confining for wriggly sleepers.
“A U-shaped pillow will provide support across your whole body,” says midwife and birth trauma expert, Illiyin Morrison. “However, C-shaped pillows are smaller, easier to put away, and can easily be adapted for breastfeeding or bottle feeding later.” Essentially, it’s all about deciding whether you want to prioritise support or practicality.
What should you look for in a pregnancy pillow?
According to Dr Hilde Tavares — co-founder of bbhugme — adaptability is the most important thing to be on the look out for when picking out a pregnancy pillow. “During pregnancy your body will change quite a bit, but in different places at different times. “One week it may be the lower back that’s achy, whereas the next it could be your pelvis,” she explains. “Therefore, the best pregnancy pillow to have is one that’s adaptable in length, shape, and level of firmness.”
A removable and washable cover is also a massive bonus — especially if it’s made from a comfy hypoallergenic material like organic cotton. Plus, pregnant women usually run rather hot, so definitely weigh up whether you want to prioritise picking a pillow that’s been made with breathability in mind.
Can you use a maternity pillow after pregnancy?
Definitely! In fact, for many women, their ‘pregnancy’ pillow simply becomes their ‘always’ pillow. Just take care if you use it postnatally and choose to bring your baby into bed for night feeds or for safe co-sleeping that your pregnancy pillow is either swapped out for a regular one or is used in such a formation as to keep it well away from baby.
There are plenty of things that can lead to less motivation in the workplace, and according to research published in the journal Sex Roles1, women’s and men’s motivation may actually be affected differently. Specifically, sleep (or lack thereof) may have more of an influence on women’s motivation than men’s.
-SOURCE-Kat-Merck.jpg)
