Finding a comfortable pillow for side sleeping isn't always as simple as choosing something soft or firm. A pillow can feel comfortable when you first lie down and still feel noticeably different after you've been in the same position for a while. One detail that often gets overlooked is pillow loft for side sleepers . Loft refers to a pillow's height or thickness, but the useful height isn't necessarily the same as the measurement you see in a product description. Your shoulder width, mattress firmness, sleeping position, and how much the pillow compresses can all change how that height feels. Understanding these factors can make it easier to evaluate whether your current pillow height actually suits the way you sleep. What Is Pillow Loft? Pillow loft is essentially the height or thickness of a pillow when it is resting without significant pressure on it. It is different from firmness. A pillow can have a high loft but feel relatively soft because its filling compress...
Have you ever been drifting off to sleep when suddenly your body twitches, almost like you’re falling? That’s called a hypnic jerk , also known as a sleep start. According to the National Sleep Foundation, up to 70% of people experience hypnic jerks occasionally , while about 10% experience them regularly enough to disrupt sleep . Factors like lack of sleep, stress, caffeine, and poor posture play a major role. Surprisingly, even the wrong sleep pillow can worsen the problem. But don’t worry—hypnic jerks are usually harmless and preventable with the right lifestyle adjustments. Let’s break down everything you need to know about this quirky sleep phenomenon. What is a Hypnic Jerk? A hypnic jerk is an involuntary muscle twitch that occurs during the transition from wakefulness to sleep. It feels like your body is jerking suddenly, often accompanied by the sensation of falling. Scientists describe it as a type of myoclonus —a brief, involuntary muscle movement. While startling, hyp...