Choose the right pillow - and use it the right way

Does using a pillow every night affect your health? Those who see uninterrupted sleep as important should think about the impact this will have on your health

Pillow height and quality directly impact neck support and thereby the quality of sleep and long-term health

The trapezius muscle linking neck, shoulders and upper back works hard all day and needs rest at night, but wrong pillows can strain it

Pillows too high bend the neck upwards, and when too low they bend it downwards; both cause muscle strain

High pillows can also cause wrinkles, acne, discomfort and puffiness by trapping bacteria and fluids

If one sleeps on the back, the chin will rest on the chest. This will shrink the lymphatic canal and blood vessels thereby obstructing blood flow

Those sleeping on the side should choose a pillow that fills the gap between the neck and shoulder

Wash pillows and bed sheets at least every two or three days; regular cleaning improves sleep and skin health