Odd Feeling in the Head Due to the Cervical Spine: Can the Pillow Play a Role?
An odd feeling in the head, such as pressure, light-headedness or mild dizziness, is often linked to the cervical spine (the neck). We can't tell from a distance whether it is actually the cause. A doctor can establish that. A suitable pillow can improve the position of your neck while you sleep, but it does not treat any complaints.
What could be behind the feeling?
There are many possibilities: tension, stress, circulation, eyes, ears and a good deal more. The cause belongs in a doctor's hands, not in an internet search.
Seek medical help immediately, and in an emergency call 112, if you have a sudden, very severe headache, visual disturbances, speech difficulties, paralysis, numbness, fainting, or after a fall or accident.
Can my pillow play a role?
If a pillow is too high or too low, your head does not lie in line with your cervical spine. Your neck then spends many hours in an unfavourable position. This can contribute to tension and may feel uncomfortable in the morning. We can't promise whether it has anything to do with the feeling in your head.
A suitable pillow keeps your head and cervical spine in line and leaves room for your shoulder. It promises nothing more than that.
To find out how to recognise an unsuitable pillow, read Pillow too high or too low. If you have neck complaints, this guide to the right height can help.
What does the right pillow height depend on?
On your body measurements, your sleeping position (back, side, front) and your mattress (soft, medium, firm). For this, Pillowise measures three points:
- Shoulder width: around the curve of your back, with the tape measure not pulled tight.
- Neck circumference: once all the way around.
- Neck length: from the lower edge of the ear to the tip of the shoulder.
From these measurements, your sleeping position and your mattress, an algorithm selects the suitable pillow from six sizes, each with its own colour. You can find out more about the calculation under Calculating pillow height.
Where does this method come from?
Thijs van der Hilst was a physiotherapist who specialised in neck and shoulder complaints. He couldn't recommend a suitable pillow to his patients. So he developed a measuring method with three measurements. Pillowise grew out of that.
So: do you need a new pillow?
If you wake up feeling good in the morning and your pillow is comfortable, you probably don't need to change anything. If the odd feeling in your head persists, have it checked by a doctor. A suitable pillow is no substitute for that. But it may be one less factor for you to worry about.
Determine your size yourself with PillowScan, or get measured at a stockist.
Determine your size yourself or find a stockist near you
Thijs van der Hilst, physiotherapist (non-practising)
Inventor of Pillowise
