the_right_pillow_may_help_ease_your_painThere are a lot of things that can cause neck pain that are beyond our ability to control. Thankfully, there are a number of things we can control, and the easiest among them is how we sleep, including what kind of pillow we use when we sleep. Here are some simple things you can do, both in terms of your sleep position and the pillow you use, to make your neck feel a whole lot better.

Your Sleep Position

The biggest thing you can do to alleviate that pain in your neck is that if you sleep on your stomach, stop. Sleeping on your side or your back is much better for your neck, simply because it allows you to rest in a much more natural position, without placing undue stress on the muscles of your neck while you’re sleeping.

Mostly, this comes down to habit. People tend to sleep on their stomachs because it’s what they’ve always done. Fortunately, that’s a fairly easy habit to change, and if you’re currently suffering from chronic neck pain, it’s one you want to start changing immediately.

Your Pillow

One of the best things you can do is invest in a good memory foam pillow, which will conform to the shape of your head and neck, giving you proper support. If that’s a little pricey for you, then consider a good feather pillow. These also conform easily to your head and neck, but remember that they’ll wear out and lose their “fluff” over time, so every two years, you’ll want to replace yours.

Another quick and easy fix you can do, if you don’t want to get rid of your favorite pillow, is to make your own neck support. You can do this by simply tucking a neck roll into the pillow (this is ideal for back sleepers). And of course, if you’re sitting up, riding in a car, on a train, or in an airplane, get a horseshoe shaped neck support pillow so you’re not causing damage while relaxing in those situations.