Want to jump out of bed and start the day? It would be nice. Instead, there is an unpleasant pulling sensation in the back or neck. The reason for the tension may be something you didn’t even suspect: your ceiling.
Have you already got out the thick down duvet for the winter? Hard to imagine, but true: specimens that are too warm can also be a disadvantage and promote muscle tension, according to André Alesi, health and sports scientist from the Healthy Back Campaign (AGR).
Tension in the morning: blankets that are too warm can cause the body to cool down
That sounds contradictory at first, isn’t heat actually good for our muscles? Alesi solves the problem: “If you sweat, you push the duvet away and inadvertently cool down – that’s the perfect way to tension and muscle pain.” By the way, this can also happen with duvets that are too small. If they do not cover the entire body, drafts can reach the exposed skin. It takes heat with it – and can therefore cause the muscles to harden.
According to the AGR, if you want to buy a new duvet, you can make sure that it has a thermophysiological effect. This means: It is best to have special fibers in it that conduct the accumulated body heat away and thus regulate the temperature.
Animal welfare should also be taken into account when buying blankets: Utopia, among other things, takes a critical view of conventional down. Geese are sometimes plucked alive and have to suffer great pain in the process. Seals such as the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) are intended, among other things, to exclude live plucking, but have been criticized for a lack of transparency. Fortunately, there are also other warming materials for winter blankets. We present a few here:
This is what matters when it comes to pillows and mattresses
Your duvet warms you just right, but you’re still often tense in the morning? Then it might make sense to focus on the pillow. The model may not be the best fit for your preferred sleeping position.
“Side sleepers need a higher pillow that compensates for the distance between the head and the mattress,” advises Alesi. If you like to sleep on your back, you should have a flat pillow under your head. This ensures that the cervical spine can maintain its natural position.
Are you looking for a good pillow? Then take a look at the following guides:
- These pillows made from natural materials are test winners at Öko-Test
- Organic pillows: 7 good pillows made from natural materials
By the way: Particularly hard mattresses can also cause discomfort. They can increase the pressure on the shoulders and pelvis, which, according to Alesi, can also result in tension and pain. If you want to buy a new model, it is best to get individual advice. Here is a list of inspiration:
Read more on Techzle\.com:
- Down jackets without live plucking: These manufacturers do it better
- The best sleeping temperature: 4 reasons for a cold bedroom
- Sleep better with sustainable beds, mattresses, blankets, etc.
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