Did you know that hugging your pillow while you sleep has health benefits?
No, seriously!
A study published in “The Journal of Clinical Psychology” in 2006 found that people who hugged a pillow for 15 minutes had lower levels of cortisol, the hormone that is released when someone is stressed. Cortisol can lead to weight gain, increased blood pressure, and other problems.
I can imagine men taking issue with this. Obviously cuddling up next to a comfy body pillow doesn’t seem like the most masculine thing in the world. But stick around and I will show you the many benefits of hugging your pillow while you sleep.
Keeps Your Body Aligned
Hugging a pillow while you sleep helps to keep your spine in proper alignment, helping prevent back pain. Also, sleeping with a pillow between your legs has been proven to reduce lower back pain, pain from sciatica, knee pain, hip pain and even improves breathing.
When you sleep on your side your knees come together and it rotates your hips forward just enough to get your spine out of alignment. This puts strain on your back and tugs on your sciatic nerve. Over time this can cause many issues.
Prevents Snoring
Wives, and maybe a few husbands, may be excited to know that hugging a pillow while you sleep helps to reduce snoring and is great for people with sleep apnea.
If you have sleep apnea or any sort of breathing problem, sleeping on your back closes up the throat muscle,which causes you to snores. Hugging your pillow while you sleep, especially with it between your knees helps keep you on your side, which opens up those airways.
Can Help Lose Weight
People often hug pillows to help them sleep better. But did you know that hugging a pillow can also help you lose weight? According to a study published in the journal “Sleep,” people who hugged pillows every night for six weeks lost an average of two pounds. The study participants who hugged pillows also reported feeling more energetic and happy.
Comfort
People often hug their pillows when they sleep in an effort to feel close to someone or something. As children, many of us may have clutched a blanky or stuffed animal for comfort and/or security. For many, this habit has carried over into our adult life.
And for good reason!
Hugging your pillow releases a chemical in the brain called oxytocin, known as the “cuddle hormone.” This hormone promotes ease and comfort, which not only helps you sleep easier, but also benefits you throughout your day.
Because oxytocin helps ease your mind and produces calmness, it should come as no surprise that hugging your pillow can also lower your blood pressure.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
In a study published in the journal, Psychological Science, the lead researcher, Sander Koole stated that, “even fleeting and seemingly trivial instances of interpersonal touch may help people to deal more effectively with existential concern. Interpersonal touch is such a powerful mechanism that even objects that simulate touch by another person may help to instill in people a sense of existential significance.”
Hugging your pillow simulates this interpersonal touch, which releases oxytocin, promoting those feelings of security and comfort. Over time you will notice that you don’t feel as stressed or edgy as you once have.
There are even pillows specifically designed for the purpose of reducing stress and mental tension.
5 Best Body Pillows
Now that we’ve discussed some of the benefits of hugging your pillow while you sleep, let’s delve into some of the best pillows on the market.
1. Queen Rose Pregnancy Pillow
This is a full body, U-shaped pillow that gives you full support, from your head and neck to your ankles and feet. This pillow is lightweight, making it easy to move from bed to couch or the living room floor while you’re watching a movie. This pillow is very versatile, and it’s high-density, extra-soft filling will provide you comfort all night long. The cover is removable so that you can wash it. But don’t get the name confused, this pillow is not just for pregnant women. The support it provides is perfect for anyone looking to get a good night’s sleep.
2. Soft-Tex Body Pillow
This pillow is made with high-quality cotton, offering extended durability. It is also hypoallergenic, making it ideal for all skin types. Its soft cover provides an extremely comfortable sleeping experience. And while it may not be the firmest pillow and doesn’t give the support of, say, a pregnancy pillow, this pillow is perfect for cuddling when you’re trying to get a good night’s rest..
3. Snuggle Pedic Full Body Pillow
This pillow is awesome! Its shredded memory foam conforms perfectly to your entire body, making for a very comfortable sleep. The Microvented fabric promotes more airflow than most pillows, helping to keep you cool at night. It’s also resistant to dust mites and other allergens and is fully machine washable.
4. Jcickt Pregnancy Pillow
This soft c-shaped pillow has a soft removable and washable velvet cover that provides comfort all night. Its 100% PP Cotton filling provides comfort for sleeping and retains fluffiness for better comfort and longer use. This body pillow is not only a maternity pillow for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers, but it can also provide comfort and relief for people suffering from hip pain, fibromyalgia, sciatica and many other ailments. This is also a good pillow for athletes and people with poor posture, which puts a heavy strain on the alignment of your spine.
5. Leachco Snoogle Body Pillow
The Snoogle is a 2020 What to Expect Sleep Award winner. Some people, in order to relieve back and hip pain, find themselves sleeping with multiple pillows, which can be inconvenient if you’re someone who moves a lot in their sleep. This c-shaped body pillow conforms to your body, giving you head support, preventing you from rolling onto your back (keeping you from snoring), and you can place it between your knees, aligning the spine and easing lower back pain. This is overall a very good pillow to cuddle up next too at night. Highly recommended!
Read also 10 Best Bed Rest Pillow
Conclusion
Hugs are great for your health. They can help lower blood pressure, relieve stress, and improve sleep quality. Studies show that people who hugged a pillow every night had better sleep than those who did not.
People often hug their pillows when they sleep in an effort to feel close to someone or something. However, there are a number of benefits to hugging a pillow while you sleep. In addition to providing comfort and security, hugging a pillow can help you lose weight, improve your circulation, and ease anxiety.