When an individual sleeps, their body works to restore and repair itself. However, their sleeping position, especially with pillows, could affect this restoration process by influencing the spine’s natural curvature. To improve sleep quality and prevent discomfort, people with problems like back or neck pain, difficulty staying asleep, and waking up feeling unrested should change how they use pillows. Keep reading to find out five sleeping positions to try with pillows and their impact on health. Side sleepers When one sleeps on their side, they should use a medium-soft pillow. They would do well with a lofted pillow that fits between the neck and mattress and is sturdy enough to keep the head from sagging down. One should avoid pillows that are too firm, crane the neck upward, and may cause neck pain. A side sleeper could also put a thick, firm pillow between their legs, with the knees even or the top knee narrowly staggered to keep the hip from pulling forward and straining one’s lower back. Back sleepers Some people may sleep on their backs, which is ideal to prevent neck and back pain. Such individuals must pick a thin pillow with a lower loft to keep the neck in a neutral position.

A stay at the hospital is stressful regardless of the duration of the stay or its reason. While most hospitals strive to provide patients and guardians with adequate comfort, it is difficult to feel at ease away from home. Therefore, putting thought into what to pack is important. One must pack all the essentials and things that can make the stay more comfortable. To get started, here is a quick checklist that can help. Toiletries Always pack these basic necessities first: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, deodorant, hairbrush, moisturizer, contact lenses, and their solution or eyeglasses. Preferred blankets and pillows from home Hospitals provide pillows, blankets, and bedding to all their patients. Yet one might not always find these comfortable. The blanket might be prickly, or the pillows might be too lumpy. Also, these are often plain in color and pattern, which may seem drab, particularly to young children, teenagers, or the elderly. So always pack in the comfiest pillows, blankets, and bedsheets from home according to the need. Favorite pairs of socks and sweaters Hospitals are usually quite cold due to the air conditioning turned down really low. Bringing along one’s favorite pair of songs and sweaters is, therefore, a good idea.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that support the proper functioning of the human body – from babies to seniors. These healthy fats help support brain development and reduce cognitive decline. While fatty fish is one of the best sources to avail of the benefits of this nutrient, those who don’t eat fish can opt for fish oil supplements. Fish oil supplements offer multiple health benefits; below are a few important ones. Heart health Excessive triglyceride levels can cause an increased risk of heart disease, and Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil supplements can help lower levels of this type of fat. Fish oil can also help bring down cholesterol and blood pressure levels and prevent the formation of arterial plaque. Eye health Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which is found in fish oil, is very important for eye health. Developing fetuses and children both need DHA for the development and maintenance of the retina, and those who consume fish or fish oil as a supplement can reap the benefits of healthier eyesight than those who do not. The omega-3 fatty acid content in fish oil can also help reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and glaucoma. Skin health The skin is the largest organ of the body, and fish oil can help maintain the skin’s natural barrier and keep it hydrated.

Doctors usually ask people to consider antidepressants to manage moderate-to-severe anxiety and depressive disorders. Since this treatment has different types, the expert performs a thorough checkup and suggests the right one depending on the patient’s needs. However, people often make mistakes when taking antidepressants, which reduces their effects by a big margin. Individuals must avoid these mistakes as far as possible to improve their health and prevent any unnecessary complications. Abruptly stopping them Most people feel their symptoms getting better within two months of starting antidepressants, so they stop taking them without asking the doctor. This could be dangerous because abruptly stopping the treatment lowers its effectiveness and increases the chances of a relapse into depression. Experts say a person should continue the treatment for at least six months to a year, or as long as the doctor suggests, depending on their condition’s severity. Those who would like to stop taking antidepressants altogether must consult the expert first and learn how to taper it off safely. Hiding the side effects from the doctor Many experience side effects like changes in appetite, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, restlessness, and anxiety when taking antidepressants. While these issues clear up within a week or two, one should talk to the doctor if they continue for more than a few weeks.

Many women experience period pain (dysmenorrhea), which develops because of contractions in the uterine muscles during menstruation. The discomfort can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, bloating, and headaches. While there are a few ways to manage and reduce the pain, some mistakes can worsen the discomfort and make menstruation more painful. So, when experiencing excessive period cramps, one should avoid making the following errors: 1. Not getting enough sleep Sleep is crucial, especially while menstruating. Ample rest can help the body deal with cramps and also reduce mood swings, discomfort, and tiredness. On the other hand, not getting enough sleep can worsen cramping. 2. Skipping meals It may seem difficult to eat well during periods, but it is incredibly important. Skipping meals could lead to a drop in energy and blood sugar levels, increasing the intensity of cramps and causing fatigue. One should try to eat balanced meals with nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, leafy vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts. 3. Ignoring symptoms Unfortunately, many people end up ignoring or underplaying their period pain. Because of this, they do not seek professional help, which reduces the chance of a formal diagnosis if dealing with a related problem.

Heart disease has become more common over the last few decades. With unhealthy eating habits and a predominantly sedentary lifestyle, there is extreme pressure on this vital organ. While heart disease may not always have noticeable symptoms, there are several early warning signs to watch out for. Learning about them can help individuals recognize them early, giving them a better chance at averting the risk by making lifestyle changes and seeking timely professional help. Here are a few early signs to look out for: 1. Chest pain Chest pain is one of the most common warning signs of an underlying heart condition. It generally happens because of poor blood flow when the heart does not receive enough blood or oxygen. This is referred to as angina, and it may cause pain that feels different for everyone. Some may experience debilitating pain, while others may only feel a slight discomfort. 2. Pain that spreads to the arm Pain that begins in the chest and spreads to the left side of the body, especially the arm, is noted to be a classic sign of a heart attack. 3. Shortness of breath A weakened heart cannot pump blood effectively into the body. This causes the blood to back up in the veins, which can be fatal.

Healthy gums are incredibly essential for a person’s overall well-being. Some reports show that there is a link between gum diseases like periodontal disease and other ailments like heart conditions and diabetes. So, individuals must do what it takes to care for their gums. One way to achieve strong, healthy gums is to use a good toothpaste. Since there are many options, individuals must research well and follow the right tips while choosing. Check for an ADA seal One of the most important things to check when buying a toothpaste is whether it has an ADA seal. This seal means the American Dental Association has approved the toothpaste after studying its ingredients. An ADA seal also indicates that the toothpaste is safe and consumers can trust it. Look at the fluoride content Gingivitis is a common disease that affects the gums and causes pain and bleeding. Fluoride is one of the most effective toothpaste ingredients that can reverse and prevent gingivitis. The ingredient can also help stop many other gum diseases and infections and strengthen the tooth enamel. So, when choosing a toothpaste for healthy gums, one must check whether it has a substantial amount of fluoride, as the ADA recommends.

Life can be tedious at times, and in such conditions, it is okay to feel tired or catch a nap. Daytime sleepiness generally happens when the sleep during the night isn’t restful. However, excessive daytime sleepiness is a more severe condition than one feeling fatigued all the time. It is a type of hypersomnia that causes an overwhelming urge to sleep during waking hours. Here are some known causes and triggers of excessive daytime sleepiness. Sleep deprivation Sleep deprivation is a state in which the individual has been consistently getting less than enough sleep. Frequently sleeping for a short time can impair the body’s rest, recovery, and restore function. It can lead to the individual experiencing various psychological and physical symptoms. One of the symptoms is excessive daytime sleepiness. When the individual is operating on less sleep for a longer period, they might get urges during the day to sleep. Research suggests a large number of adults have confirmed falling asleep without intending to, at least once a month. Sleep apnea Another common cause of excessive daytime sleepiness is sleep apnea. It is a condition in which one experiences a disruption in their ability to breathe when sleeping. Narrowing or collapsing of the upper airway when sleeping can interrupt the person’s breathing, and is known as obstructive sleep apnea.