Tired? Yep, we understand. Life is busy.
Tired with irritated, watery eyes, itchy skin, hayfever, poor posture, neck pain, headaches? The pillow you're using might be the culprit.
While the right pillow won't stop little kids or a possum in your roof from waking you up multiple times a night, it may help to address the above issues. The right pillow may also improve energy levels, immune function, hormone regulation, libido, metabolism, memory, brain function and more.
Read on to learn more about how to choose the right pillow, as well as other ways to relax the mind and body and improve sleep quality.
What makes a good quality pillow
A good pillow will support your body and allow it to function properly while you sleep. Since we typically sleep for 1/3 of our lives, it is important to choose a pillow that is both non-toxic as well as spinally supportive.
A good pillow is one that is non-toxic
Pillows made from synthetic materials contain harmful chemical toxins. These pillows, often referred to as 'hypoallergenic', start their lives as crude oil. They release gasses called VOC's (Volatile Organic Compounds) which may negatively impact your health, interfere with sleep patterns, quality of sleep, and negatively impact our health. They also have a negative impact on the environment as they take generations to disintegrate into the landfill.
A non-toxic pillow will be made from natural and/or organic materials and will be VOC free. Look for materials such as cotton, wool, feathers, and buckwheat, etc.
Be cautious of latex. Latex trees can be grown organically, but in order to turn the extracted liquid latex into a pillow or a mattress requires the use of lots of harmful chemicals.
The Killapilla pillow is hand-stuffed with Australian wool that is certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100. Wool is natural, renewable, and so soft and comfortable. It is also:
- Warm in the winter
- Cool in the summer
- Naturally fire resistant
- Naturally resistant to dust mites
- Resistant to mould and mildew
- Anti-bacterial
- Proven to steady the heart rate allowing for a deeper sleep
- Static resistant
- Non-allergenic
- Odour resistant
- Water repellant
A good pillow is spinally supportive
Another important element to consider when choosing a pillow is ensuring it is spinally supportive. Good posture is key for healthy sleep!
Proper spinal support during sleep is important as it removes physical stress and tension on the spine and spinal cord. When the spine and spinal cord has tension placed on it during sleep, the signals from the brain to the rest of the body can be impeded. This may interfere with normal and healthy sleep functions including restoration, healing, rejuvenation and the 're-boot' of the brain.
Look for a pillow that offers support of the neck (cervical) curve. Avoid pillows that are overstuffed, or pillows that elevate the head, which can place unwanted tension on the spinal cord.
Who and what is KillaPilla?
The Killapilla has been designed and developed by Dr. Todd Gignac (Chiropractor) and his wife Carolina. Together they created Australia’s only locally made all natural, organic and spinally correct pillows. Each pillow is handmade in Gympie, Queensland, Australia.
One day Todd and Carolina were faced with the reality that they didn’t feel comfortable selling the therapeutic pillows that we were stocking in their practice. They looked for alternatives but there where none. They developed the KillaPilla by combining the latest in design technology with only the purest and most natural materials of the past.
The result is the perfect pillow. The unique pillow design provides proper neck positioning and support, reducing tension on the spinal cord and helping to open airways allowing for a deeper, more productive, and high quality of sleep.
It is also customisable, comfortable, safe, healthy, all natural and organic, and kind to the environment.
Ways to relax the mind and body before bed
Before you lay your head down on the perfect pillow, relax your mind and body.
1. Soothe sore muscles and heavy shoulders with a heat pack
A heat pack warms and relaxes tight muscles, encouraging the blood vessels to open, blood flow to increase, toxins to be flushed out and nutrients like oxygen to flow in. The result? Less pain, less tension, and a more relaxed body and mind.
The neck heat pack is particularly good for neck, shoulder and stubborn back pains.
2. Drink sleepy time tea
Wind down at night with this Organic Sleepy Me Loose Leaf Tea. A caffeine-free blend to help your rest and relax into sleep. This mix of flowers, herbs and roots gives an aromatic and spicy touch with a classic chamomile colour and floral scent.
For a valerian root free option, consider Biome's Brewteaful Organic Sleepy Tea.
3. Diffuse a dreamy essential oil blend
The nurturing, soothing symphony of scents in Perfect Potion's Hug Time, Sweet Dreams and Snooze blends will envelop you in an aromatic lullaby and promote a deep and restful sleep.
4. Apply a natural bedtime sleep balm
This all natural and vegan-friendly sleep balm was made to help soothe and relax your body and mind. Made on a moisturising base of Shea Butter with a blend of pure essential oils that provide a calming scent and have traditional relaxing properties.
5. Choose organic cotton pyjamas
reduces the risk of allergies, irritation and rashes
Our organic cotton kids pyjamas and organic cotton women's pyjamas are made from GOTS certified organic cotton fabric, which means they are free from harmful chemicals and pesticides, and gentle on your skin.
Read more
Why Organic Cotton is the Best Choice for Kids Winter Pyjamas
A Guide to the Different Forms of Magnesium To Use For Wellbeing
