Nicola here, and today I am musing on pillows. Repetitive strain injury is an occupational hazard of a writer’s life, or indeed anyone who uses a keyboard. It can affect people in all sorts of jobs who, as the words suggest, use the same movements frequently. In an attempt to deal with my RSI, which gives me neck, shoulder and back pain, I’ve taken all sorts of measures, trying to get my desk at the exact correct height and my chair as well, foot rests, wrist rests, and special pillows in bed at night to support my head.
When I first set off down the special pillow route I tried one that was filled with spelt, a grain more commonly found in bread! It was supposed to adjust perfectly to the shape of the head and neck to maintain the spine in a correct line. However I found it just went flat! So then I tried one with foam but didn’t get on with that either. In the end I’ve gone back to a nice feather pillow.
My preoccupation with pillows and natural curiosity lead me to wonder when they were first invented. It turns out that the pillow is 
an ancient thing, first used over 9000 years ago. Comfort was not at the forefront of the minds of those who first invented and used the pillow; for a start pillows were made of stone and the purpose was to keep the sleeper’s head off the ground in order to avoid bugs crawling into your ears! It sounds very practical and very uncomfortable.
The Egyptians made their pillows out of wood and they were seen as high status possessions. They viewed the head as the spiritual and life centre of the body and so a pillow was curved in shape in order to protect this most important part of the body. The Chinese, meanwhile carved pillows from many different substances including bamboo, bronze, jade and even porcelain. Their philosophy was that soft pillows were inadequate in keeping demons at bay and that a soft pillow would allow the vitality of the body to be stolen during sleep.
The pillow as we recognise it today was the invention of the Greeks and Romans who were the first to create a luxurious soft pillow by stuffing a cloth with feathers or straw. Again, these were high status objects reserved for rich households. Before the invention of pillowcases a pillow would be covered by a head-sheet of linen, known as a pillow “bere” (bearer). The most prized of these were highly decorated with needlework and embroidered patterns, adding to the general opulence of the bed. This sounds nice but the pillow was an unhygienic object. The stuffing needed to be changed regularly in order to prevent mould and insect or vermin infestation!
There are also records from the 15th century of the more well to do peasants having "three boards for a bed", a sheet and pillows, as well as some worn coverlets and canvas covers but these were far from fine or decorative and it was literally somewhere to lay your head – and your exhausted body.
Interestingly though, pillows had connotations of weakness around this time. By the late Middle Ages they had fallen out of favour as men refused to use them because they were considered “un-masculine.” It is claimed that King Henry VIII banned the use of pillows except for pregnant women.
By the Elizabethan period the pillow had made a come back and was an object of desire. Around 1580 the clergyman William 
Harrison grumbled about the new generation being very self-indulgent with their feather mattresses and pillows. In his day, he said: "If in seven years after marriage a man could buy a mattress and a sack of chaff to rest his head on, he thought himself as well lodged as a lord. Pillows were thought meet only for sick women. As for servants, they were lucky if they had a sheet over them, for there was nothing under them to keep the straw from pricking their hardened hides."
It was not until the industrial revolution that the mass production of textiles allowed for everyone to sleep with a pillow and also to have decorative pillows for couches and chairs. There was a huge expansion in the pillow business and in the different designs of pillowcases.
The bolster, long and cylindrical, was one of the most popular shapes of pillow throughout history. Often it was used in conjunction with the square pillow, the pillows piled up on it and against the head of the bed, which meant that people slept in a sloping, half-sitting position. This is one of the reasons why many old beds look short to our modern eyes. People did not lie down flat as we tend to do. It was thought to be more beneficial to sleep sitting up and I do find that when I’m feeling ill, particularly with colds or flu, I do sleep better in that position but I'm not sure I'd like to do it all the time! I like a nice, crisp cool cotton pillowcase and duvet cover and to be able to stretch out!
And so to bed. Do you like a plump feather pillow and luxury linen or are you more minimalist? How would you feel about sleeping sitting up and do you have any top tips for a good night's rest?
I’m definitely on the more luxurious side. As I’ve gotten older I find I have trouble sleeping unless the bed is soft enough for comfort and firm enough to support without being rock hard, so we have a tempur-pedic foam topper. We also have multiple pillows because we try to sleep on our sides for better breathing. We need one between the knobby knees and one to keep us rolled onto the side, as well as one for the head.This is very different from childhood, when one could think it was a special treat to sleep on the floor.
I’m definitely on the more luxurious side. As I’ve gotten older I find I have trouble sleeping unless the bed is soft enough for comfort and firm enough to support without being rock hard, so we have a tempur-pedic foam topper. We also have multiple pillows because we try to sleep on our sides for better breathing. We need one between the knobby knees and one to keep us rolled onto the side, as well as one for the head.This is very different from childhood, when one could think it was a special treat to sleep on the floor.
I’m definitely on the more luxurious side. As I’ve gotten older I find I have trouble sleeping unless the bed is soft enough for comfort and firm enough to support without being rock hard, so we have a tempur-pedic foam topper. We also have multiple pillows because we try to sleep on our sides for better breathing. We need one between the knobby knees and one to keep us rolled onto the side, as well as one for the head.This is very different from childhood, when one could think it was a special treat to sleep on the floor.
I’m definitely on the more luxurious side. As I’ve gotten older I find I have trouble sleeping unless the bed is soft enough for comfort and firm enough to support without being rock hard, so we have a tempur-pedic foam topper. We also have multiple pillows because we try to sleep on our sides for better breathing. We need one between the knobby knees and one to keep us rolled onto the side, as well as one for the head.This is very different from childhood, when one could think it was a special treat to sleep on the floor.
I’m definitely on the more luxurious side. As I’ve gotten older I find I have trouble sleeping unless the bed is soft enough for comfort and firm enough to support without being rock hard, so we have a tempur-pedic foam topper. We also have multiple pillows because we try to sleep on our sides for better breathing. We need one between the knobby knees and one to keep us rolled onto the side, as well as one for the head.This is very different from childhood, when one could think it was a special treat to sleep on the floor.
We were in Venice through almost all of February, for Carnevale di Venezia (the carnival where everyone wears costumes and masks for weeks). The place we rented had a table full of those late-Victorian/Edwardian pillows (*British* pillows!) that people made, decorated with beads and dates and war messages. I sort of wanted to steal some – I didn’t, but Bargain Hunt (yes, really) taught me how special they are. A link to a picture of them I put on Facebook:
goo.gl/GFRGB7
The only pillow I can sleep on (I have no idea if people will think this is weird) is my grandmother’s feather one. It has a little hand-written nametag on it from when she had it “serviced” in the 1980s.
When she died in 2015 we found this pillow in the back of her cupboard.
I was getting migraines from almost every other pillow, and so… I don’t know what I’ll do when I need a new one (most people would say I definitely already need a new one!).
We were in Venice through almost all of February, for Carnevale di Venezia (the carnival where everyone wears costumes and masks for weeks). The place we rented had a table full of those late-Victorian/Edwardian pillows (*British* pillows!) that people made, decorated with beads and dates and war messages. I sort of wanted to steal some – I didn’t, but Bargain Hunt (yes, really) taught me how special they are. A link to a picture of them I put on Facebook:
goo.gl/GFRGB7
The only pillow I can sleep on (I have no idea if people will think this is weird) is my grandmother’s feather one. It has a little hand-written nametag on it from when she had it “serviced” in the 1980s.
When she died in 2015 we found this pillow in the back of her cupboard.
I was getting migraines from almost every other pillow, and so… I don’t know what I’ll do when I need a new one (most people would say I definitely already need a new one!).
We were in Venice through almost all of February, for Carnevale di Venezia (the carnival where everyone wears costumes and masks for weeks). The place we rented had a table full of those late-Victorian/Edwardian pillows (*British* pillows!) that people made, decorated with beads and dates and war messages. I sort of wanted to steal some – I didn’t, but Bargain Hunt (yes, really) taught me how special they are. A link to a picture of them I put on Facebook:
goo.gl/GFRGB7
The only pillow I can sleep on (I have no idea if people will think this is weird) is my grandmother’s feather one. It has a little hand-written nametag on it from when she had it “serviced” in the 1980s.
When she died in 2015 we found this pillow in the back of her cupboard.
I was getting migraines from almost every other pillow, and so… I don’t know what I’ll do when I need a new one (most people would say I definitely already need a new one!).
We were in Venice through almost all of February, for Carnevale di Venezia (the carnival where everyone wears costumes and masks for weeks). The place we rented had a table full of those late-Victorian/Edwardian pillows (*British* pillows!) that people made, decorated with beads and dates and war messages. I sort of wanted to steal some – I didn’t, but Bargain Hunt (yes, really) taught me how special they are. A link to a picture of them I put on Facebook:
goo.gl/GFRGB7
The only pillow I can sleep on (I have no idea if people will think this is weird) is my grandmother’s feather one. It has a little hand-written nametag on it from when she had it “serviced” in the 1980s.
When she died in 2015 we found this pillow in the back of her cupboard.
I was getting migraines from almost every other pillow, and so… I don’t know what I’ll do when I need a new one (most people would say I definitely already need a new one!).
We were in Venice through almost all of February, for Carnevale di Venezia (the carnival where everyone wears costumes and masks for weeks). The place we rented had a table full of those late-Victorian/Edwardian pillows (*British* pillows!) that people made, decorated with beads and dates and war messages. I sort of wanted to steal some – I didn’t, but Bargain Hunt (yes, really) taught me how special they are. A link to a picture of them I put on Facebook:
goo.gl/GFRGB7
The only pillow I can sleep on (I have no idea if people will think this is weird) is my grandmother’s feather one. It has a little hand-written nametag on it from when she had it “serviced” in the 1980s.
When she died in 2015 we found this pillow in the back of her cupboard.
I was getting migraines from almost every other pillow, and so… I don’t know what I’ll do when I need a new one (most people would say I definitely already need a new one!).
I prefer a firmer mattress and I have a foam pillow with a neck support but I also prefer to be stretched out on lovely crisp sheets and covered in a quilt. I occasionally sleep sitting up or slightly reclined when my allergies are nuts because I have a fear of drowning otherwise. LOL I don’t know that I could do it all the time though. I diffuse lavender shortly before bed and keep the room cool and ventilated. That always makes for a better nights sleep for us!
I prefer a firmer mattress and I have a foam pillow with a neck support but I also prefer to be stretched out on lovely crisp sheets and covered in a quilt. I occasionally sleep sitting up or slightly reclined when my allergies are nuts because I have a fear of drowning otherwise. LOL I don’t know that I could do it all the time though. I diffuse lavender shortly before bed and keep the room cool and ventilated. That always makes for a better nights sleep for us!
I prefer a firmer mattress and I have a foam pillow with a neck support but I also prefer to be stretched out on lovely crisp sheets and covered in a quilt. I occasionally sleep sitting up or slightly reclined when my allergies are nuts because I have a fear of drowning otherwise. LOL I don’t know that I could do it all the time though. I diffuse lavender shortly before bed and keep the room cool and ventilated. That always makes for a better nights sleep for us!
I prefer a firmer mattress and I have a foam pillow with a neck support but I also prefer to be stretched out on lovely crisp sheets and covered in a quilt. I occasionally sleep sitting up or slightly reclined when my allergies are nuts because I have a fear of drowning otherwise. LOL I don’t know that I could do it all the time though. I diffuse lavender shortly before bed and keep the room cool and ventilated. That always makes for a better nights sleep for us!
I prefer a firmer mattress and I have a foam pillow with a neck support but I also prefer to be stretched out on lovely crisp sheets and covered in a quilt. I occasionally sleep sitting up or slightly reclined when my allergies are nuts because I have a fear of drowning otherwise. LOL I don’t know that I could do it all the time though. I diffuse lavender shortly before bed and keep the room cool and ventilated. That always makes for a better nights sleep for us!
I think pillows are a great blessing for comfortable sleep, Kathy, and I adore my topper! You are so right – it was great fun to sleep on the floor, or in interesting locations like a hammock or tent in younger days. Not so much now!
I think pillows are a great blessing for comfortable sleep, Kathy, and I adore my topper! You are so right – it was great fun to sleep on the floor, or in interesting locations like a hammock or tent in younger days. Not so much now!
I think pillows are a great blessing for comfortable sleep, Kathy, and I adore my topper! You are so right – it was great fun to sleep on the floor, or in interesting locations like a hammock or tent in younger days. Not so much now!
I think pillows are a great blessing for comfortable sleep, Kathy, and I adore my topper! You are so right – it was great fun to sleep on the floor, or in interesting locations like a hammock or tent in younger days. Not so much now!
I think pillows are a great blessing for comfortable sleep, Kathy, and I adore my topper! You are so right – it was great fun to sleep on the floor, or in interesting locations like a hammock or tent in younger days. Not so much now!
How extraordinary about your grandmother’s pillow, Sonya, but how absolutely lovely.
Thank you for the link to the beautiful Victorian/Edwardian pillows. I hope you enjoyed the carnival – I would love to see that!
How extraordinary about your grandmother’s pillow, Sonya, but how absolutely lovely.
Thank you for the link to the beautiful Victorian/Edwardian pillows. I hope you enjoyed the carnival – I would love to see that!
How extraordinary about your grandmother’s pillow, Sonya, but how absolutely lovely.
Thank you for the link to the beautiful Victorian/Edwardian pillows. I hope you enjoyed the carnival – I would love to see that!
How extraordinary about your grandmother’s pillow, Sonya, but how absolutely lovely.
Thank you for the link to the beautiful Victorian/Edwardian pillows. I hope you enjoyed the carnival – I would love to see that!
How extraordinary about your grandmother’s pillow, Sonya, but how absolutely lovely.
Thank you for the link to the beautiful Victorian/Edwardian pillows. I hope you enjoyed the carnival – I would love to see that!
Ah, crisp sheets! Lovely! I do like the idea of the lavender diffuser as well. It sounds so soothing and relaxing.
Ah, crisp sheets! Lovely! I do like the idea of the lavender diffuser as well. It sounds so soothing and relaxing.
Ah, crisp sheets! Lovely! I do like the idea of the lavender diffuser as well. It sounds so soothing and relaxing.
Ah, crisp sheets! Lovely! I do like the idea of the lavender diffuser as well. It sounds so soothing and relaxing.
Ah, crisp sheets! Lovely! I do like the idea of the lavender diffuser as well. It sounds so soothing and relaxing.
Some years ago I damaged a disk while playing squash.The subsequent back pain led me to buy an electric bed where the back and legs can be tilted or raised to optimise comfort. It also has a vibration massage. I find it a boon for sleeping comfort.The pillow and linen are a minor consideration. Only draw back … it doesn’t do a lot for the sex life!
Commiserations about the repetitive strain. Have you tried speech to text software to give your hands a rest?
Some years ago I damaged a disk while playing squash.The subsequent back pain led me to buy an electric bed where the back and legs can be tilted or raised to optimise comfort. It also has a vibration massage. I find it a boon for sleeping comfort.The pillow and linen are a minor consideration. Only draw back … it doesn’t do a lot for the sex life!
Commiserations about the repetitive strain. Have you tried speech to text software to give your hands a rest?
Some years ago I damaged a disk while playing squash.The subsequent back pain led me to buy an electric bed where the back and legs can be tilted or raised to optimise comfort. It also has a vibration massage. I find it a boon for sleeping comfort.The pillow and linen are a minor consideration. Only draw back … it doesn’t do a lot for the sex life!
Commiserations about the repetitive strain. Have you tried speech to text software to give your hands a rest?
Some years ago I damaged a disk while playing squash.The subsequent back pain led me to buy an electric bed where the back and legs can be tilted or raised to optimise comfort. It also has a vibration massage. I find it a boon for sleeping comfort.The pillow and linen are a minor consideration. Only draw back … it doesn’t do a lot for the sex life!
Commiserations about the repetitive strain. Have you tried speech to text software to give your hands a rest?
Some years ago I damaged a disk while playing squash.The subsequent back pain led me to buy an electric bed where the back and legs can be tilted or raised to optimise comfort. It also has a vibration massage. I find it a boon for sleeping comfort.The pillow and linen are a minor consideration. Only draw back … it doesn’t do a lot for the sex life!
Commiserations about the repetitive strain. Have you tried speech to text software to give your hands a rest?
Gorgeous pillows, Sonya, and the time in Venice sounds marvelous! As for your grandmother’s pillow–perhaps it comes with healing grandmotherly hands? They’ll still be there even if you eventually have the pillow refilled.
Gorgeous pillows, Sonya, and the time in Venice sounds marvelous! As for your grandmother’s pillow–perhaps it comes with healing grandmotherly hands? They’ll still be there even if you eventually have the pillow refilled.
Gorgeous pillows, Sonya, and the time in Venice sounds marvelous! As for your grandmother’s pillow–perhaps it comes with healing grandmotherly hands? They’ll still be there even if you eventually have the pillow refilled.
Gorgeous pillows, Sonya, and the time in Venice sounds marvelous! As for your grandmother’s pillow–perhaps it comes with healing grandmotherly hands? They’ll still be there even if you eventually have the pillow refilled.
Gorgeous pillows, Sonya, and the time in Venice sounds marvelous! As for your grandmother’s pillow–perhaps it comes with healing grandmotherly hands? They’ll still be there even if you eventually have the pillow refilled.
Nicola, I had no idea there was so much testosterone around the history of pillows! (“Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche!”) I’m pretty sure I’m going to be plagued by demons since I like a nice soft pillow that is soft, but not so soft it goes flat. *G*
Nicola, I had no idea there was so much testosterone around the history of pillows! (“Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche!”) I’m pretty sure I’m going to be plagued by demons since I like a nice soft pillow that is soft, but not so soft it goes flat. *G*
Nicola, I had no idea there was so much testosterone around the history of pillows! (“Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche!”) I’m pretty sure I’m going to be plagued by demons since I like a nice soft pillow that is soft, but not so soft it goes flat. *G*
Nicola, I had no idea there was so much testosterone around the history of pillows! (“Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche!”) I’m pretty sure I’m going to be plagued by demons since I like a nice soft pillow that is soft, but not so soft it goes flat. *G*
Nicola, I had no idea there was so much testosterone around the history of pillows! (“Real Men Don’t Eat Quiche!”) I’m pretty sure I’m going to be plagued by demons since I like a nice soft pillow that is soft, but not so soft it goes flat. *G*
I have a feather pillow which I love.. It’s fairly flat, jyst the way I like it, and I shape it to be higher under my neck than the rest of my head. I also use pillows on either side of my body as I have arthritis in my hands snd find that elevating them while I sleep helps. I sleep flat, which helps my back recover from the pain of the previous day. Basically I’m a bit of a broken down wreck and both my mattress snd my pillow are among my favourite things in the whole wide world..
I have a feather pillow which I love.. It’s fairly flat, jyst the way I like it, and I shape it to be higher under my neck than the rest of my head. I also use pillows on either side of my body as I have arthritis in my hands snd find that elevating them while I sleep helps. I sleep flat, which helps my back recover from the pain of the previous day. Basically I’m a bit of a broken down wreck and both my mattress snd my pillow are among my favourite things in the whole wide world..
I have a feather pillow which I love.. It’s fairly flat, jyst the way I like it, and I shape it to be higher under my neck than the rest of my head. I also use pillows on either side of my body as I have arthritis in my hands snd find that elevating them while I sleep helps. I sleep flat, which helps my back recover from the pain of the previous day. Basically I’m a bit of a broken down wreck and both my mattress snd my pillow are among my favourite things in the whole wide world..
I have a feather pillow which I love.. It’s fairly flat, jyst the way I like it, and I shape it to be higher under my neck than the rest of my head. I also use pillows on either side of my body as I have arthritis in my hands snd find that elevating them while I sleep helps. I sleep flat, which helps my back recover from the pain of the previous day. Basically I’m a bit of a broken down wreck and both my mattress snd my pillow are among my favourite things in the whole wide world..
I have a feather pillow which I love.. It’s fairly flat, jyst the way I like it, and I shape it to be higher under my neck than the rest of my head. I also use pillows on either side of my body as I have arthritis in my hands snd find that elevating them while I sleep helps. I sleep flat, which helps my back recover from the pain of the previous day. Basically I’m a bit of a broken down wreck and both my mattress snd my pillow are among my favourite things in the whole wide world..
Pillows – you can’t do without one but then they are uncomfortable as well. I am in the process of trying to find a nice new one. Unfortunately you can’t try before you buy. The pillow shop would be a bit upset if I tried for a good 8 hours in their store. So it is a matter of buying one and trying. If it doesn’t suit it gets added to the pile of others that don’t suit. As far as sitting up, I am asthmatic so every now and then I have to sleep sitting up. I usually wake up with a painful neck because my head has slipped crooked. But we are so used to mattress, pillow, sheets, blankets etc. We can’t do without.
Pillows – you can’t do without one but then they are uncomfortable as well. I am in the process of trying to find a nice new one. Unfortunately you can’t try before you buy. The pillow shop would be a bit upset if I tried for a good 8 hours in their store. So it is a matter of buying one and trying. If it doesn’t suit it gets added to the pile of others that don’t suit. As far as sitting up, I am asthmatic so every now and then I have to sleep sitting up. I usually wake up with a painful neck because my head has slipped crooked. But we are so used to mattress, pillow, sheets, blankets etc. We can’t do without.
Pillows – you can’t do without one but then they are uncomfortable as well. I am in the process of trying to find a nice new one. Unfortunately you can’t try before you buy. The pillow shop would be a bit upset if I tried for a good 8 hours in their store. So it is a matter of buying one and trying. If it doesn’t suit it gets added to the pile of others that don’t suit. As far as sitting up, I am asthmatic so every now and then I have to sleep sitting up. I usually wake up with a painful neck because my head has slipped crooked. But we are so used to mattress, pillow, sheets, blankets etc. We can’t do without.
Pillows – you can’t do without one but then they are uncomfortable as well. I am in the process of trying to find a nice new one. Unfortunately you can’t try before you buy. The pillow shop would be a bit upset if I tried for a good 8 hours in their store. So it is a matter of buying one and trying. If it doesn’t suit it gets added to the pile of others that don’t suit. As far as sitting up, I am asthmatic so every now and then I have to sleep sitting up. I usually wake up with a painful neck because my head has slipped crooked. But we are so used to mattress, pillow, sheets, blankets etc. We can’t do without.
Pillows – you can’t do without one but then they are uncomfortable as well. I am in the process of trying to find a nice new one. Unfortunately you can’t try before you buy. The pillow shop would be a bit upset if I tried for a good 8 hours in their store. So it is a matter of buying one and trying. If it doesn’t suit it gets added to the pile of others that don’t suit. As far as sitting up, I am asthmatic so every now and then I have to sleep sitting up. I usually wake up with a painful neck because my head has slipped crooked. But we are so used to mattress, pillow, sheets, blankets etc. We can’t do without.
I love decorative pillows – they can really dress up a room. But when it comes to sleeping, my memory foam pillow is the best. I have arthritis in my neck, hips, and one knee, so when it comes to quality of sleep, I do the best I can. I have a very comfortable recliner that I use when I feel the need to sleep in a semi-sitting position. It is not uncommon for me to start the night in bed and finish it in the recliner – or vice versa.
Thanks for the pillow history lesson. You ladies can find the most interesting facts about everyday items.
I love decorative pillows – they can really dress up a room. But when it comes to sleeping, my memory foam pillow is the best. I have arthritis in my neck, hips, and one knee, so when it comes to quality of sleep, I do the best I can. I have a very comfortable recliner that I use when I feel the need to sleep in a semi-sitting position. It is not uncommon for me to start the night in bed and finish it in the recliner – or vice versa.
Thanks for the pillow history lesson. You ladies can find the most interesting facts about everyday items.
I love decorative pillows – they can really dress up a room. But when it comes to sleeping, my memory foam pillow is the best. I have arthritis in my neck, hips, and one knee, so when it comes to quality of sleep, I do the best I can. I have a very comfortable recliner that I use when I feel the need to sleep in a semi-sitting position. It is not uncommon for me to start the night in bed and finish it in the recliner – or vice versa.
Thanks for the pillow history lesson. You ladies can find the most interesting facts about everyday items.
I love decorative pillows – they can really dress up a room. But when it comes to sleeping, my memory foam pillow is the best. I have arthritis in my neck, hips, and one knee, so when it comes to quality of sleep, I do the best I can. I have a very comfortable recliner that I use when I feel the need to sleep in a semi-sitting position. It is not uncommon for me to start the night in bed and finish it in the recliner – or vice versa.
Thanks for the pillow history lesson. You ladies can find the most interesting facts about everyday items.
I love decorative pillows – they can really dress up a room. But when it comes to sleeping, my memory foam pillow is the best. I have arthritis in my neck, hips, and one knee, so when it comes to quality of sleep, I do the best I can. I have a very comfortable recliner that I use when I feel the need to sleep in a semi-sitting position. It is not uncommon for me to start the night in bed and finish it in the recliner – or vice versa.
Thanks for the pillow history lesson. You ladies can find the most interesting facts about everyday items.
I am another recliner user. I have post-nasal drip all the time; so sleeping in a relative upright position is essential. I nap on our bed by day, if a nap is needed. There I have a triangular bedrest pillow, a foam pillow, and a stiff neck pillow for day.
I think in my elementary-high school days, my pillows were thinner, but I still slept on two are three. The post-nasal drip has been with me all my life.
We do have some display pillows on our sofa.
I am another recliner user. I have post-nasal drip all the time; so sleeping in a relative upright position is essential. I nap on our bed by day, if a nap is needed. There I have a triangular bedrest pillow, a foam pillow, and a stiff neck pillow for day.
I think in my elementary-high school days, my pillows were thinner, but I still slept on two are three. The post-nasal drip has been with me all my life.
We do have some display pillows on our sofa.
I am another recliner user. I have post-nasal drip all the time; so sleeping in a relative upright position is essential. I nap on our bed by day, if a nap is needed. There I have a triangular bedrest pillow, a foam pillow, and a stiff neck pillow for day.
I think in my elementary-high school days, my pillows were thinner, but I still slept on two are three. The post-nasal drip has been with me all my life.
We do have some display pillows on our sofa.
I am another recliner user. I have post-nasal drip all the time; so sleeping in a relative upright position is essential. I nap on our bed by day, if a nap is needed. There I have a triangular bedrest pillow, a foam pillow, and a stiff neck pillow for day.
I think in my elementary-high school days, my pillows were thinner, but I still slept on two are three. The post-nasal drip has been with me all my life.
We do have some display pillows on our sofa.
I am another recliner user. I have post-nasal drip all the time; so sleeping in a relative upright position is essential. I nap on our bed by day, if a nap is needed. There I have a triangular bedrest pillow, a foam pillow, and a stiff neck pillow for day.
I think in my elementary-high school days, my pillows were thinner, but I still slept on two are three. The post-nasal drip has been with me all my life.
We do have some display pillows on our sofa.
I saw a pillow from ancient Egypt in a museum exhibit that was gold and curved to keep the head and spine straight with no softness underneath.
I have a memory foam pillow and mattress. The pillow always keeps its shape and saves me from having to mold it into the comfort I need. I was able to purchase one-thousand count thread sheets in microfiber for $15 at a street fair in NYC. They feel lovely.
I’ve read the usual ideas about sleeping well. Go to bed at approximately the same time and get up at about the same time, too. No electronics one hour before bed. Keep the room cool and sheets clean. No clutter in the room anywhere. Have it as dark and quiet as possible. Eat at least three hours before bed to more fully digest all food. Don’t engage in volatile conversation near bedtime.
I saw a pillow from ancient Egypt in a museum exhibit that was gold and curved to keep the head and spine straight with no softness underneath.
I have a memory foam pillow and mattress. The pillow always keeps its shape and saves me from having to mold it into the comfort I need. I was able to purchase one-thousand count thread sheets in microfiber for $15 at a street fair in NYC. They feel lovely.
I’ve read the usual ideas about sleeping well. Go to bed at approximately the same time and get up at about the same time, too. No electronics one hour before bed. Keep the room cool and sheets clean. No clutter in the room anywhere. Have it as dark and quiet as possible. Eat at least three hours before bed to more fully digest all food. Don’t engage in volatile conversation near bedtime.
I saw a pillow from ancient Egypt in a museum exhibit that was gold and curved to keep the head and spine straight with no softness underneath.
I have a memory foam pillow and mattress. The pillow always keeps its shape and saves me from having to mold it into the comfort I need. I was able to purchase one-thousand count thread sheets in microfiber for $15 at a street fair in NYC. They feel lovely.
I’ve read the usual ideas about sleeping well. Go to bed at approximately the same time and get up at about the same time, too. No electronics one hour before bed. Keep the room cool and sheets clean. No clutter in the room anywhere. Have it as dark and quiet as possible. Eat at least three hours before bed to more fully digest all food. Don’t engage in volatile conversation near bedtime.
I saw a pillow from ancient Egypt in a museum exhibit that was gold and curved to keep the head and spine straight with no softness underneath.
I have a memory foam pillow and mattress. The pillow always keeps its shape and saves me from having to mold it into the comfort I need. I was able to purchase one-thousand count thread sheets in microfiber for $15 at a street fair in NYC. They feel lovely.
I’ve read the usual ideas about sleeping well. Go to bed at approximately the same time and get up at about the same time, too. No electronics one hour before bed. Keep the room cool and sheets clean. No clutter in the room anywhere. Have it as dark and quiet as possible. Eat at least three hours before bed to more fully digest all food. Don’t engage in volatile conversation near bedtime.
I saw a pillow from ancient Egypt in a museum exhibit that was gold and curved to keep the head and spine straight with no softness underneath.
I have a memory foam pillow and mattress. The pillow always keeps its shape and saves me from having to mold it into the comfort I need. I was able to purchase one-thousand count thread sheets in microfiber for $15 at a street fair in NYC. They feel lovely.
I’ve read the usual ideas about sleeping well. Go to bed at approximately the same time and get up at about the same time, too. No electronics one hour before bed. Keep the room cool and sheets clean. No clutter in the room anywhere. Have it as dark and quiet as possible. Eat at least three hours before bed to more fully digest all food. Don’t engage in volatile conversation near bedtime.
The usual ideas are good in general, but this is also one of the cases where each person is different. I read myself to sleep using the same book I will use to read myself awake. The books are more likely to work if they are exciting than if they are too calm.
I also plan tomorrow’s tasks. It’s like a check off list for me. And I relax after it’s done. And finally I do Crossword and Variety Puzzles to put myself to sleep.
I DO NOT recommend this for anyone else. But these activities all work well for me, whereas the standard suggestions make me restless. I DO suggest that if the standard suggestions don’t work for a person, they should find whatever non-standard ones will.
The usual ideas are good in general, but this is also one of the cases where each person is different. I read myself to sleep using the same book I will use to read myself awake. The books are more likely to work if they are exciting than if they are too calm.
I also plan tomorrow’s tasks. It’s like a check off list for me. And I relax after it’s done. And finally I do Crossword and Variety Puzzles to put myself to sleep.
I DO NOT recommend this for anyone else. But these activities all work well for me, whereas the standard suggestions make me restless. I DO suggest that if the standard suggestions don’t work for a person, they should find whatever non-standard ones will.
The usual ideas are good in general, but this is also one of the cases where each person is different. I read myself to sleep using the same book I will use to read myself awake. The books are more likely to work if they are exciting than if they are too calm.
I also plan tomorrow’s tasks. It’s like a check off list for me. And I relax after it’s done. And finally I do Crossword and Variety Puzzles to put myself to sleep.
I DO NOT recommend this for anyone else. But these activities all work well for me, whereas the standard suggestions make me restless. I DO suggest that if the standard suggestions don’t work for a person, they should find whatever non-standard ones will.
The usual ideas are good in general, but this is also one of the cases where each person is different. I read myself to sleep using the same book I will use to read myself awake. The books are more likely to work if they are exciting than if they are too calm.
I also plan tomorrow’s tasks. It’s like a check off list for me. And I relax after it’s done. And finally I do Crossword and Variety Puzzles to put myself to sleep.
I DO NOT recommend this for anyone else. But these activities all work well for me, whereas the standard suggestions make me restless. I DO suggest that if the standard suggestions don’t work for a person, they should find whatever non-standard ones will.
The usual ideas are good in general, but this is also one of the cases where each person is different. I read myself to sleep using the same book I will use to read myself awake. The books are more likely to work if they are exciting than if they are too calm.
I also plan tomorrow’s tasks. It’s like a check off list for me. And I relax after it’s done. And finally I do Crossword and Variety Puzzles to put myself to sleep.
I DO NOT recommend this for anyone else. But these activities all work well for me, whereas the standard suggestions make me restless. I DO suggest that if the standard suggestions don’t work for a person, they should find whatever non-standard ones will.
What a fun and interesting post, Nicola! Count me as old-fashioned! I have tried synthetics, but prefer my nice firm down pillow!
What a fun and interesting post, Nicola! Count me as old-fashioned! I have tried synthetics, but prefer my nice firm down pillow!
What a fun and interesting post, Nicola! Count me as old-fashioned! I have tried synthetics, but prefer my nice firm down pillow!
What a fun and interesting post, Nicola! Count me as old-fashioned! I have tried synthetics, but prefer my nice firm down pillow!
What a fun and interesting post, Nicola! Count me as old-fashioned! I have tried synthetics, but prefer my nice firm down pillow!
What a fascinating post. I am ever in search of the perfect pillow. I have yet to find it, but I live in hope!
What a fascinating post. I am ever in search of the perfect pillow. I have yet to find it, but I live in hope!
What a fascinating post. I am ever in search of the perfect pillow. I have yet to find it, but I live in hope!
What a fascinating post. I am ever in search of the perfect pillow. I have yet to find it, but I live in hope!
What a fascinating post. I am ever in search of the perfect pillow. I have yet to find it, but I live in hope!
LOL, Quantum, there is always a drawback… But it does sound a very nice bed!
I did try speech recognition software but it had problems with the historical vocabulary and I probably wasn’t patient enough to train it properly. I spent so long correcting it I just wanted to get on with the book! However, I should try again really as it is a very good idea if I can make it work.
LOL, Quantum, there is always a drawback… But it does sound a very nice bed!
I did try speech recognition software but it had problems with the historical vocabulary and I probably wasn’t patient enough to train it properly. I spent so long correcting it I just wanted to get on with the book! However, I should try again really as it is a very good idea if I can make it work.
LOL, Quantum, there is always a drawback… But it does sound a very nice bed!
I did try speech recognition software but it had problems with the historical vocabulary and I probably wasn’t patient enough to train it properly. I spent so long correcting it I just wanted to get on with the book! However, I should try again really as it is a very good idea if I can make it work.
LOL, Quantum, there is always a drawback… But it does sound a very nice bed!
I did try speech recognition software but it had problems with the historical vocabulary and I probably wasn’t patient enough to train it properly. I spent so long correcting it I just wanted to get on with the book! However, I should try again really as it is a very good idea if I can make it work.
LOL, Quantum, there is always a drawback… But it does sound a very nice bed!
I did try speech recognition software but it had problems with the historical vocabulary and I probably wasn’t patient enough to train it properly. I spent so long correcting it I just wanted to get on with the book! However, I should try again really as it is a very good idea if I can make it work.
Yes, it’s interesting, isn’t it, about pillows and masculinity. I can imagine Henry in his younger days thinking “no man in my household is going to be soft enough to lie on a pillow!”
Yes, it’s interesting, isn’t it, about pillows and masculinity. I can imagine Henry in his younger days thinking “no man in my household is going to be soft enough to lie on a pillow!”
Yes, it’s interesting, isn’t it, about pillows and masculinity. I can imagine Henry in his younger days thinking “no man in my household is going to be soft enough to lie on a pillow!”
Yes, it’s interesting, isn’t it, about pillows and masculinity. I can imagine Henry in his younger days thinking “no man in my household is going to be soft enough to lie on a pillow!”
Yes, it’s interesting, isn’t it, about pillows and masculinity. I can imagine Henry in his younger days thinking “no man in my household is going to be soft enough to lie on a pillow!”
As we age and develop a few aches and pains I think these things are very important in easing our lives. It sounds as though you have made a lovely, cosy comfortable space for sleep, Shelagh.
As we age and develop a few aches and pains I think these things are very important in easing our lives. It sounds as though you have made a lovely, cosy comfortable space for sleep, Shelagh.
As we age and develop a few aches and pains I think these things are very important in easing our lives. It sounds as though you have made a lovely, cosy comfortable space for sleep, Shelagh.
As we age and develop a few aches and pains I think these things are very important in easing our lives. It sounds as though you have made a lovely, cosy comfortable space for sleep, Shelagh.
As we age and develop a few aches and pains I think these things are very important in easing our lives. It sounds as though you have made a lovely, cosy comfortable space for sleep, Shelagh.
Yes, that’s a good point, Jenny. Whilst you can try them out for a few minutes in the shop that’s not the same as a whole night’s sleep. Best of luck finding your new pillow!
Yes, that’s a good point, Jenny. Whilst you can try them out for a few minutes in the shop that’s not the same as a whole night’s sleep. Best of luck finding your new pillow!
Yes, that’s a good point, Jenny. Whilst you can try them out for a few minutes in the shop that’s not the same as a whole night’s sleep. Best of luck finding your new pillow!
Yes, that’s a good point, Jenny. Whilst you can try them out for a few minutes in the shop that’s not the same as a whole night’s sleep. Best of luck finding your new pillow!
Yes, that’s a good point, Jenny. Whilst you can try them out for a few minutes in the shop that’s not the same as a whole night’s sleep. Best of luck finding your new pillow!
Thanks, Mary! Aren’t decorative pillows gorgeous? Whenever I go to a hotel I love seeing how they use them to dress up the room but at home I am sadly lacking those decorative skills!
Thanks, Mary! Aren’t decorative pillows gorgeous? Whenever I go to a hotel I love seeing how they use them to dress up the room but at home I am sadly lacking those decorative skills!
Thanks, Mary! Aren’t decorative pillows gorgeous? Whenever I go to a hotel I love seeing how they use them to dress up the room but at home I am sadly lacking those decorative skills!
Thanks, Mary! Aren’t decorative pillows gorgeous? Whenever I go to a hotel I love seeing how they use them to dress up the room but at home I am sadly lacking those decorative skills!
Thanks, Mary! Aren’t decorative pillows gorgeous? Whenever I go to a hotel I love seeing how they use them to dress up the room but at home I am sadly lacking those decorative skills!
It sounds as though you have come to the best pillow arrangement to suit you, Sue. It’s such a personal thing, isn’t it. I’m glad that these days we have such a variety of shapes and sizes (and softness) of pillows to make our lives easier. I’m afraid I wouldn’t have done very well in the “hard pillow” societies!
It sounds as though you have come to the best pillow arrangement to suit you, Sue. It’s such a personal thing, isn’t it. I’m glad that these days we have such a variety of shapes and sizes (and softness) of pillows to make our lives easier. I’m afraid I wouldn’t have done very well in the “hard pillow” societies!
It sounds as though you have come to the best pillow arrangement to suit you, Sue. It’s such a personal thing, isn’t it. I’m glad that these days we have such a variety of shapes and sizes (and softness) of pillows to make our lives easier. I’m afraid I wouldn’t have done very well in the “hard pillow” societies!
It sounds as though you have come to the best pillow arrangement to suit you, Sue. It’s such a personal thing, isn’t it. I’m glad that these days we have such a variety of shapes and sizes (and softness) of pillows to make our lives easier. I’m afraid I wouldn’t have done very well in the “hard pillow” societies!
It sounds as though you have come to the best pillow arrangement to suit you, Sue. It’s such a personal thing, isn’t it. I’m glad that these days we have such a variety of shapes and sizes (and softness) of pillows to make our lives easier. I’m afraid I wouldn’t have done very well in the “hard pillow” societies!
The Egyptian pillows are quite something, aren’t they, Patricia? So high! I was surprised they could be used for sleep at all.
The Egyptian pillows are quite something, aren’t they, Patricia? So high! I was surprised they could be used for sleep at all.
The Egyptian pillows are quite something, aren’t they, Patricia? So high! I was surprised they could be used for sleep at all.
The Egyptian pillows are quite something, aren’t they, Patricia? So high! I was surprised they could be used for sleep at all.
The Egyptian pillows are quite something, aren’t they, Patricia? So high! I was surprised they could be used for sleep at all.
That’s very interesting about reading yourself to sleep and awake, Sue. In a similar vein, I write a story in my head to help me get to sleep on those nights I don’t immediately drop off. The repetition helps, I think.
That’s very interesting about reading yourself to sleep and awake, Sue. In a similar vein, I write a story in my head to help me get to sleep on those nights I don’t immediately drop off. The repetition helps, I think.
That’s very interesting about reading yourself to sleep and awake, Sue. In a similar vein, I write a story in my head to help me get to sleep on those nights I don’t immediately drop off. The repetition helps, I think.
That’s very interesting about reading yourself to sleep and awake, Sue. In a similar vein, I write a story in my head to help me get to sleep on those nights I don’t immediately drop off. The repetition helps, I think.
That’s very interesting about reading yourself to sleep and awake, Sue. In a similar vein, I write a story in my head to help me get to sleep on those nights I don’t immediately drop off. The repetition helps, I think.
Thanks, Andrea! Yes, I think it’s hard to beat a lovely down pillow!
Thanks, Andrea! Yes, I think it’s hard to beat a lovely down pillow!
Thanks, Andrea! Yes, I think it’s hard to beat a lovely down pillow!
Thanks, Andrea! Yes, I think it’s hard to beat a lovely down pillow!
Thanks, Andrea! Yes, I think it’s hard to beat a lovely down pillow!
Thanks, KAreni, I am glad you enjoyed the post. Best of luck finding that perfect pillow!
Thanks, KAreni, I am glad you enjoyed the post. Best of luck finding that perfect pillow!
Thanks, KAreni, I am glad you enjoyed the post. Best of luck finding that perfect pillow!
Thanks, KAreni, I am glad you enjoyed the post. Best of luck finding that perfect pillow!
Thanks, KAreni, I am glad you enjoyed the post. Best of luck finding that perfect pillow!
I love posts like this about mundane things, hoping for more of them.
I just read the other day about a couple who travel with just carry-on bags but still manage to take along their favorite pillows—for both physical and mental comfort. Must be down ones one could squash the air out of for space savings. Mine would take most of the bag. But I love the idea.
I love posts like this about mundane things, hoping for more of them.
I just read the other day about a couple who travel with just carry-on bags but still manage to take along their favorite pillows—for both physical and mental comfort. Must be down ones one could squash the air out of for space savings. Mine would take most of the bag. But I love the idea.
I love posts like this about mundane things, hoping for more of them.
I just read the other day about a couple who travel with just carry-on bags but still manage to take along their favorite pillows—for both physical and mental comfort. Must be down ones one could squash the air out of for space savings. Mine would take most of the bag. But I love the idea.
I love posts like this about mundane things, hoping for more of them.
I just read the other day about a couple who travel with just carry-on bags but still manage to take along their favorite pillows—for both physical and mental comfort. Must be down ones one could squash the air out of for space savings. Mine would take most of the bag. But I love the idea.
I love posts like this about mundane things, hoping for more of them.
I just read the other day about a couple who travel with just carry-on bags but still manage to take along their favorite pillows—for both physical and mental comfort. Must be down ones one could squash the air out of for space savings. Mine would take most of the bag. But I love the idea.
I love a comfy pillow – and greatly enjoyed this post. Thank you, Nicola!
I love a comfy pillow – and greatly enjoyed this post. Thank you, Nicola!
I love a comfy pillow – and greatly enjoyed this post. Thank you, Nicola!
I love a comfy pillow – and greatly enjoyed this post. Thank you, Nicola!
I love a comfy pillow – and greatly enjoyed this post. Thank you, Nicola!
You really do have to train the software to recognize your vocabulary. My husband uses Dragon for dictating his medical records and some of the results are extremely funny! Dragon usually gets the medical terminology and drug names once he spells it out, but the Texas drawl is often hard for it to understand. And forget it if he has a cold!
You really do have to train the software to recognize your vocabulary. My husband uses Dragon for dictating his medical records and some of the results are extremely funny! Dragon usually gets the medical terminology and drug names once he spells it out, but the Texas drawl is often hard for it to understand. And forget it if he has a cold!
You really do have to train the software to recognize your vocabulary. My husband uses Dragon for dictating his medical records and some of the results are extremely funny! Dragon usually gets the medical terminology and drug names once he spells it out, but the Texas drawl is often hard for it to understand. And forget it if he has a cold!
You really do have to train the software to recognize your vocabulary. My husband uses Dragon for dictating his medical records and some of the results are extremely funny! Dragon usually gets the medical terminology and drug names once he spells it out, but the Texas drawl is often hard for it to understand. And forget it if he has a cold!
You really do have to train the software to recognize your vocabulary. My husband uses Dragon for dictating his medical records and some of the results are extremely funny! Dragon usually gets the medical terminology and drug names once he spells it out, but the Texas drawl is often hard for it to understand. And forget it if he has a cold!
I saw something like a wooden hard pillow made for Chinese ladies that was meant to keep the hair unmussed. Evidently they went weeks without washing or dressing their hair.
I saw something like a wooden hard pillow made for Chinese ladies that was meant to keep the hair unmussed. Evidently they went weeks without washing or dressing their hair.
I saw something like a wooden hard pillow made for Chinese ladies that was meant to keep the hair unmussed. Evidently they went weeks without washing or dressing their hair.
I saw something like a wooden hard pillow made for Chinese ladies that was meant to keep the hair unmussed. Evidently they went weeks without washing or dressing their hair.
I saw something like a wooden hard pillow made for Chinese ladies that was meant to keep the hair unmussed. Evidently they went weeks without washing or dressing their hair.
Terrific post. It is interesting to see that so many of us have very specific ideas about what is a comfortable pillow.
As I developed a degenerative disc issue, I had to change – to a firmer mattress and a down pillow which I can shove into nearly any shape I desire. And yes, crisp sheets.
I have a large triangle pillow and at times I have used it to sleep in a sitting position when my allergies are trying to kill me.
Terrific post. It is interesting to see that so many of us have very specific ideas about what is a comfortable pillow.
As I developed a degenerative disc issue, I had to change – to a firmer mattress and a down pillow which I can shove into nearly any shape I desire. And yes, crisp sheets.
I have a large triangle pillow and at times I have used it to sleep in a sitting position when my allergies are trying to kill me.
Terrific post. It is interesting to see that so many of us have very specific ideas about what is a comfortable pillow.
As I developed a degenerative disc issue, I had to change – to a firmer mattress and a down pillow which I can shove into nearly any shape I desire. And yes, crisp sheets.
I have a large triangle pillow and at times I have used it to sleep in a sitting position when my allergies are trying to kill me.
Terrific post. It is interesting to see that so many of us have very specific ideas about what is a comfortable pillow.
As I developed a degenerative disc issue, I had to change – to a firmer mattress and a down pillow which I can shove into nearly any shape I desire. And yes, crisp sheets.
I have a large triangle pillow and at times I have used it to sleep in a sitting position when my allergies are trying to kill me.
Terrific post. It is interesting to see that so many of us have very specific ideas about what is a comfortable pillow.
As I developed a degenerative disc issue, I had to change – to a firmer mattress and a down pillow which I can shove into nearly any shape I desire. And yes, crisp sheets.
I have a large triangle pillow and at times I have used it to sleep in a sitting position when my allergies are trying to kill me.
Contrary to advice, I have the habit of sleeping on my stomach; I find it almost impossible to fall asleep any other way. So my pillow has to be almost flat if I don’t want a crick in my neck. Like Sonya, I have an old down pillow. I bought a pair of them at an estate sale probably 25 years ago, and put new covers on them. I think people don’t realize they can also be machine washed! I’ll use synthetic pillows too, as long as they are soft and not “bouncy”.
Also contrary to advice, I like to sleep in a warm room. I’m one of those people whose extremities are always cold, and I can’t fall asleep with cold feet! And once I do turn out the light, it has to be completely quiet and dark in the room. I envy people who can nod off with the TV or music playing.
Contrary to advice, I have the habit of sleeping on my stomach; I find it almost impossible to fall asleep any other way. So my pillow has to be almost flat if I don’t want a crick in my neck. Like Sonya, I have an old down pillow. I bought a pair of them at an estate sale probably 25 years ago, and put new covers on them. I think people don’t realize they can also be machine washed! I’ll use synthetic pillows too, as long as they are soft and not “bouncy”.
Also contrary to advice, I like to sleep in a warm room. I’m one of those people whose extremities are always cold, and I can’t fall asleep with cold feet! And once I do turn out the light, it has to be completely quiet and dark in the room. I envy people who can nod off with the TV or music playing.
Contrary to advice, I have the habit of sleeping on my stomach; I find it almost impossible to fall asleep any other way. So my pillow has to be almost flat if I don’t want a crick in my neck. Like Sonya, I have an old down pillow. I bought a pair of them at an estate sale probably 25 years ago, and put new covers on them. I think people don’t realize they can also be machine washed! I’ll use synthetic pillows too, as long as they are soft and not “bouncy”.
Also contrary to advice, I like to sleep in a warm room. I’m one of those people whose extremities are always cold, and I can’t fall asleep with cold feet! And once I do turn out the light, it has to be completely quiet and dark in the room. I envy people who can nod off with the TV or music playing.
Contrary to advice, I have the habit of sleeping on my stomach; I find it almost impossible to fall asleep any other way. So my pillow has to be almost flat if I don’t want a crick in my neck. Like Sonya, I have an old down pillow. I bought a pair of them at an estate sale probably 25 years ago, and put new covers on them. I think people don’t realize they can also be machine washed! I’ll use synthetic pillows too, as long as they are soft and not “bouncy”.
Also contrary to advice, I like to sleep in a warm room. I’m one of those people whose extremities are always cold, and I can’t fall asleep with cold feet! And once I do turn out the light, it has to be completely quiet and dark in the room. I envy people who can nod off with the TV or music playing.
Contrary to advice, I have the habit of sleeping on my stomach; I find it almost impossible to fall asleep any other way. So my pillow has to be almost flat if I don’t want a crick in my neck. Like Sonya, I have an old down pillow. I bought a pair of them at an estate sale probably 25 years ago, and put new covers on them. I think people don’t realize they can also be machine washed! I’ll use synthetic pillows too, as long as they are soft and not “bouncy”.
Also contrary to advice, I like to sleep in a warm room. I’m one of those people whose extremities are always cold, and I can’t fall asleep with cold feet! And once I do turn out the light, it has to be completely quiet and dark in the room. I envy people who can nod off with the TV or music playing.
Quite a posting, Nicola. I love the responses these posts inspire. I truly wonder if sleeping without the benefit of a decent pillow, or a comfortable sleeping surface led to a shorter lifespan, or if it made people tougher and improved their lifespan. Working hard all day, no matter what the job, it just seems to me that sleeping on a board would not let someone recover from the day’s impact on the body.
I think it would have led to my own shorter life span. I’ve gone from one single pillow that was my favorite for years and years, to never again finding just the right one. Also being able to sleep on just about anything, to not finding any surface comfortable…trying egg crates, memory foam toppers, new mattresses, and now we sleep on an adjustable bed with individual sides because I have to have excessive surface softness, and my hubby can’t stand that. Sigh. The adjustable part helps with the allergies. And this sleeping arrangement still is far from perfect. Oh, and from as far back as I can remember I’ve needed coolness in the room and on the bedding to be able to sleep. Anyone else turn their pillow over every time they stir? Gosh what a spoiled softie, rather pathetic falling-apart individual I am!!
Quite a posting, Nicola. I love the responses these posts inspire. I truly wonder if sleeping without the benefit of a decent pillow, or a comfortable sleeping surface led to a shorter lifespan, or if it made people tougher and improved their lifespan. Working hard all day, no matter what the job, it just seems to me that sleeping on a board would not let someone recover from the day’s impact on the body.
I think it would have led to my own shorter life span. I’ve gone from one single pillow that was my favorite for years and years, to never again finding just the right one. Also being able to sleep on just about anything, to not finding any surface comfortable…trying egg crates, memory foam toppers, new mattresses, and now we sleep on an adjustable bed with individual sides because I have to have excessive surface softness, and my hubby can’t stand that. Sigh. The adjustable part helps with the allergies. And this sleeping arrangement still is far from perfect. Oh, and from as far back as I can remember I’ve needed coolness in the room and on the bedding to be able to sleep. Anyone else turn their pillow over every time they stir? Gosh what a spoiled softie, rather pathetic falling-apart individual I am!!
Quite a posting, Nicola. I love the responses these posts inspire. I truly wonder if sleeping without the benefit of a decent pillow, or a comfortable sleeping surface led to a shorter lifespan, or if it made people tougher and improved their lifespan. Working hard all day, no matter what the job, it just seems to me that sleeping on a board would not let someone recover from the day’s impact on the body.
I think it would have led to my own shorter life span. I’ve gone from one single pillow that was my favorite for years and years, to never again finding just the right one. Also being able to sleep on just about anything, to not finding any surface comfortable…trying egg crates, memory foam toppers, new mattresses, and now we sleep on an adjustable bed with individual sides because I have to have excessive surface softness, and my hubby can’t stand that. Sigh. The adjustable part helps with the allergies. And this sleeping arrangement still is far from perfect. Oh, and from as far back as I can remember I’ve needed coolness in the room and on the bedding to be able to sleep. Anyone else turn their pillow over every time they stir? Gosh what a spoiled softie, rather pathetic falling-apart individual I am!!
Quite a posting, Nicola. I love the responses these posts inspire. I truly wonder if sleeping without the benefit of a decent pillow, or a comfortable sleeping surface led to a shorter lifespan, or if it made people tougher and improved their lifespan. Working hard all day, no matter what the job, it just seems to me that sleeping on a board would not let someone recover from the day’s impact on the body.
I think it would have led to my own shorter life span. I’ve gone from one single pillow that was my favorite for years and years, to never again finding just the right one. Also being able to sleep on just about anything, to not finding any surface comfortable…trying egg crates, memory foam toppers, new mattresses, and now we sleep on an adjustable bed with individual sides because I have to have excessive surface softness, and my hubby can’t stand that. Sigh. The adjustable part helps with the allergies. And this sleeping arrangement still is far from perfect. Oh, and from as far back as I can remember I’ve needed coolness in the room and on the bedding to be able to sleep. Anyone else turn their pillow over every time they stir? Gosh what a spoiled softie, rather pathetic falling-apart individual I am!!
Quite a posting, Nicola. I love the responses these posts inspire. I truly wonder if sleeping without the benefit of a decent pillow, or a comfortable sleeping surface led to a shorter lifespan, or if it made people tougher and improved their lifespan. Working hard all day, no matter what the job, it just seems to me that sleeping on a board would not let someone recover from the day’s impact on the body.
I think it would have led to my own shorter life span. I’ve gone from one single pillow that was my favorite for years and years, to never again finding just the right one. Also being able to sleep on just about anything, to not finding any surface comfortable…trying egg crates, memory foam toppers, new mattresses, and now we sleep on an adjustable bed with individual sides because I have to have excessive surface softness, and my hubby can’t stand that. Sigh. The adjustable part helps with the allergies. And this sleeping arrangement still is far from perfect. Oh, and from as far back as I can remember I’ve needed coolness in the room and on the bedding to be able to sleep. Anyone else turn their pillow over every time they stir? Gosh what a spoiled softie, rather pathetic falling-apart individual I am!!
Oh my goodness Nicola, those little pillows!!!
Oh my goodness Nicola, those little pillows!!!
Oh my goodness Nicola, those little pillows!!!
Oh my goodness Nicola, those little pillows!!!
Oh my goodness Nicola, those little pillows!!!
Ah, that makes sense! I’d find it really difficult not to wash my hair although they do say that after a few weeks it goes all beautiful and clean on it’s own.
Ah, that makes sense! I’d find it really difficult not to wash my hair although they do say that after a few weeks it goes all beautiful and clean on it’s own.
Ah, that makes sense! I’d find it really difficult not to wash my hair although they do say that after a few weeks it goes all beautiful and clean on it’s own.
Ah, that makes sense! I’d find it really difficult not to wash my hair although they do say that after a few weeks it goes all beautiful and clean on it’s own.
Ah, that makes sense! I’d find it really difficult not to wash my hair although they do say that after a few weeks it goes all beautiful and clean on it’s own.
Thanks, Mary. I love finding out more about the things we have in our life – like pillows – that have evolved over centuries!
Thanks, Mary. I love finding out more about the things we have in our life – like pillows – that have evolved over centuries!
Thanks, Mary. I love finding out more about the things we have in our life – like pillows – that have evolved over centuries!
Thanks, Mary. I love finding out more about the things we have in our life – like pillows – that have evolved over centuries!
Thanks, Mary. I love finding out more about the things we have in our life – like pillows – that have evolved over centuries!
Thank you, Laura, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Laura, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Laura, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Laura, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
Thank you, Laura, I’m so pleased you enjoyed it!
It’s such a personal thing, I think, finding the right pillow! It seems quite trivial but actually comfortable sleep is so important it turns into something of a quest!
It’s such a personal thing, I think, finding the right pillow! It seems quite trivial but actually comfortable sleep is so important it turns into something of a quest!
It’s such a personal thing, I think, finding the right pillow! It seems quite trivial but actually comfortable sleep is so important it turns into something of a quest!
It’s such a personal thing, I think, finding the right pillow! It seems quite trivial but actually comfortable sleep is so important it turns into something of a quest!
It’s such a personal thing, I think, finding the right pillow! It seems quite trivial but actually comfortable sleep is so important it turns into something of a quest!
I am totally with you on the cold feet, Karin! The one thing that will keep me awake is cold extremities. I think we all have to find the way that’s right for us!
I am totally with you on the cold feet, Karin! The one thing that will keep me awake is cold extremities. I think we all have to find the way that’s right for us!
I am totally with you on the cold feet, Karin! The one thing that will keep me awake is cold extremities. I think we all have to find the way that’s right for us!
I am totally with you on the cold feet, Karin! The one thing that will keep me awake is cold extremities. I think we all have to find the way that’s right for us!
I am totally with you on the cold feet, Karin! The one thing that will keep me awake is cold extremities. I think we all have to find the way that’s right for us!
LOL, Michelle! When you look at what our ancestors slept on we do appear rather pampered! I agree, though, that I don’t think a tough life (and hard bed!) made people tougher in themselves. I think they just wore out sooner!
LOL, Michelle! When you look at what our ancestors slept on we do appear rather pampered! I agree, though, that I don’t think a tough life (and hard bed!) made people tougher in themselves. I think they just wore out sooner!
LOL, Michelle! When you look at what our ancestors slept on we do appear rather pampered! I agree, though, that I don’t think a tough life (and hard bed!) made people tougher in themselves. I think they just wore out sooner!
LOL, Michelle! When you look at what our ancestors slept on we do appear rather pampered! I agree, though, that I don’t think a tough life (and hard bed!) made people tougher in themselves. I think they just wore out sooner!
LOL, Michelle! When you look at what our ancestors slept on we do appear rather pampered! I agree, though, that I don’t think a tough life (and hard bed!) made people tougher in themselves. I think they just wore out sooner!