1) If you are a side sleeper and have broad shoulders, you may need two, even three pillows (depending on the thickness) under the head, to sleep comfortably.A third pillow is also good to have as a "saftey" if another drops off the bed, or if you need support under an arm.
2) Before getting in bed, bend over from the waist and grab your toes to release tension you back and neck.
3) If you have morning neck pain and headaches, do a side-to-side isometric on the neck before sleeping. You can do this on your pillow, pushing your neck against your hand, 20 seconds each side. Pain relief and headache relief for the next day can be *miraculous*.
4)Always *seek* the most comfortable neck position with your pillows *before* falling asleep. If your neck feels tense before you go to sleep, it won't feel better in the morning!
5) An open nasal airway decreases facial and neck muscle tension. Take a hot shower before going to bed if stuffed-up; get an ENT evaluation if congestion is chronic-may be allergy or crooked septum.
6) Neck pain with forehead soreness in the temple, eye,and jaw joint region may be from a crooked bite. Get an evaluation from an orthodontist.
Good article. Common sense!
