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Can a Weighted Pillow Treat Migraines? Can They Alleviate It?

can weighted pillows treat migraines

Every person who has ever had migraines understands how excruciating or debilitating they can be. Many migraine sufferers also have sleep problems, such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Migraine sufferers usually track their triggers and find out what causes the attacks. These factors include skipped meals, stress, bad breath, lack of sleep, weather changes, and back and neck pain. An important part of preventing headaches is getting enough sleep. Choosing the right pillow can also help prevent migraines.

You should generally get a pillow that supports the weight of your head so that it is aligned with your neck and provides support for your sleep style. Whether you sleep on your side or back, choose a pillow that supports your neck from the beginning or can be adjusted to fit your needs. 

People that deal with migraines are increasingly turning to weighted pillows for pain relief. Several factors make this possible: temperature, breathability, support, and affordability. There is no chemical odor associated with weighted pillows instead of other pillows. The pillow’s design facilitates air circulation, thus allowing for a high level of breathability.

Can a Weighted Pillow Treat Migraines? - Summary

Does a Headache Become a Migraine?

how weighted pillows can help alleviate migraines and headaches

Having a severe headache that feels throbbing and pounding could be a migraine. In most cases, the headache is felt on one side or at the front of the head. Some people feel nauseated or vomit and are extremely sensitive to light, sounds, and sometimes smells.

About 25% of migraine sufferers will experience an aura or visual disturbance, including blurred vision, “cotton wool” vision, or flashing lines. Stay off the road if you experience this! Another 15-20 % of people may experience an aura as a particular smell or taste or increased sound sensitivity. Other manifestations of the aura may include tingling or slurred speech. Migraines can last between 4 and 72 hours, so people are curious about how to sleep while having one.

Can a Weighted Pillow Treat Migraines?

I’ve been suffering from migraines and tension headaches for quite a while. I’ve tried everything, including sleeping on a bag of frozen peas, massage, acupuncture, and magnesium supplements. So, when I heard that weighted pillows could relieve migraines and sinus pain, I had no choice but to give them a try. 

Using the weighted pillow, I was able to relax my head during the night, and it gave my neck normal support during the night, resulting in relief. As a newly diagnosed sufferer of Complex migraines, I wish I had this weighted pillow when I was first diagnosed. Now I consider it a regular part of my medicine routine. As soon as I feel anxious, I lay my head on it, rest my neck on it, and let it take my stress away. 

As soon as I do, the stress evaporates. The weight acts as a restraint for me since it makes me stay in one spot for a while. This makes me think you should not get up just yet; take a few deep breaths and rest a bit longer. You can use weighted pillows to alleviate anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and acute pain.

Additionally, you might try using humidified air in your bedroom during the winter and weighted blankets to relax. It is also recommended that you consider specially designed weighted pillows, which will help you ease quickly. 

Counting sheep or staring at the ceiling for 20 minutes every night is not something anyone should have to endure. Weighted pillows have the relaxing effect of providing your neck and head with support, which helps you fall asleep faster.

What Causes Migraines to Occur? Why You May Be Experiencing Migraines:

While migraines are difficult to diagnose, most of them stem from one thing: high blood pressure. A heavy pillow can trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, and these two hormones, when increased in the bloodstream, can ease symptoms of depression and lower blood pressure. People will experience migraines for different reasons, but here are some of the most common triggers:

Insufficient sleep

Migraines are commonly predisposed to headaches resulting from inadequate sleep. Sleeping regularly can help you avoid migraines, so pay attention to what your body tells you. To maximize your comfort, make sure you have a comfortable bed and a weighted pillow at the right height to support your neck. Furthermore, well-designed weighted blankets can be extremely helpful.

Stress

Stress is a part of everyday life for everyone, but unwinding is essential at the end of the day. Having a migraine could be a signal for you to take it easy. Similarly, closing your eyes to reduce headaches signals the need for a reduction in stress levels and alertness. Our bodies produce more cortisol whenever we feel threatened. 

When your body is on high alert, your pulse rate is elevated, your breathing is deep, and your brain is very active. Consider purchasing weighted products like a weighted blanket or weighted pillows to reduce stress.

Avoid certain foods

Skipping meals lowers your blood glucose level, which increases migraine risk. Caffeine can also cause you to stay awake, especially when consumed along with certain foods. You should also avoid foods containing tyramine. Among the foods that contain it are cured meats, smoked fish, and pickled herrings. 

Some people are susceptible to migraines after drinking alcohol. However, migraines come in many variations, and once you know what triggers them, you can try to avoid them. 

Don't take unnecessary medications

Identify the source of your migraine before taking any medication. Some medications, such as sleeping pills, may cause a migraine. Consider using weighted blankets & pillows rather than medication to ensure utmost comfort throughout the night.

Other triggers

Your individual triggers are there. Make sure you monitor what your body doesn’t respond well to, and try to avoid those things.

Conclusion

People who lack or have poor-quality sleep often experience migraines. With better sleep, you will decrease stress levels, reducing your migraine attacks’ severity and frequency. The small changes you can make to your lifestyle to take better care of yourself will pay dividends in the long run.

Weighted blankets have probably already caught your attention. Now weighted pillows are becoming popular as well. The pillows promise to ease sleep disturbances, relieve tension headaches, and even provide relief from migraines and stress. Weighted pillows work by applying gentle pressure to your head, which signals your brain to relax. 

The materials used are usually microbeads, flaxseeds, or sand. By gently using Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation, your head is prepared for deep, restorative sleep and lowers your stress levels. The feeling it gives you is truly fantastic.

Mike Horton (head of Weighted Living)

by Mike Horton

Mike is one of the lead editors at Weighted Living and the author of this article. He's become fascinated with weighted products (a bit too much we think) and loves to see all the different ways they can improve our loves. He's written quite a few weighted product guides as well.

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