We use them every day, but how much do we know about them? Pillows have been with us throughout our lives and play a vital role in our rest.
And since they're the best friends of our nights, we've gathered a series of interesting facts about them for you .
1. Its history dates back to 7000 BC!
This useful invention has been with us for millennia. It is known to have been created by the civilization of Mesopotamia (the area between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, in what is now Iraq).
According to studies, the first evidence of head supports for sleeping dates back to 7000 BC. There are also records of the existence of pillows in Ancient Egypt , in the tombs of the pharaohs.
2. They were not always used for sleeping
The first pillows didn't have the ergonomic comfort that makes sleeping so easy. They were actually made of stone, and their purpose wasn't exactly to provide comfort to the person using them.
In fact, they were only used by the wealthiest citizens of the area, who had these stone blocks made as a preventative measure to prevent insects from entering their ears and mouths while they slept .
3. They believed it could ward off evil spirits
In ancient Egypt, the head was considered the center of spiritual life . Therefore, pillows used for sleeping were made of various materials, such as ivory, marble, ceramic, wood, and stone, carved with divine images.
When someone died, the Egyptians would place one of these pillows under the deceased's head, believing it would ward off evil spirits . It was in Greece and Rome that pillows began to be thought of as comforting. They were stuffed with straw or feathers as a symbol of status.
4. Do pillows increase intelligence?
At least that's what was believed in ancient China. According to archaeological studies, they were often made of hard materials like wood, bronze, bamboo, porcelain, and jade, as it was believed they could provide health and intellectual benefits to those who wore them while sleeping.
In fact, it was once thought that the jade pillow increased people's intelligence. Hence, they didn't make soft pillows, as they also believed they robbed the body of energy while sleeping .
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5. They used them more than they did.
It was not until the Industrial Revolution (19th century) that pillows began to be mass produced and their prices became increasingly affordable for the rest of the population.
But before that, they were used in England primarily by women in labor . They were rarely used by men, as their use was seen as a sign of weakness.
6. It left at least 30 soldiers injured
Who hasn't had a pillow fight? Whether with family, friends, a couple, or even at school. Every year, this is what they do to commemorate the end of the year at the United States Military Academy at West Point.
The military gathers in the schoolyard and has a huge pillow fight. However, in 2015, the situation got a little out of hand, and at least 30 cadets were injured . Some lost consciousness, one had a broken nose, and one even suffered a broken leg!
7. There are some that even cool themselves!
How many times have you had to flip your pillow in the middle of the night to find a cooler side? It's more common than you might think.
That's why experts invented a pillow that can cool itself and stay fresh all the time . This is because it has gel particles inside and breathable mesh that allows it to disperse heat.
Learn here why bedtime temperature is so important and how you can achieve it in your home.
8. It could weigh more for a disgusting reason
Do you remember how long you've had your pillow? Believe it or not, it's possible that it's heavier now than when you first started using it. Why? The problem is that when you sleep, your bedding comes into contact with your body .
And in doing so, bodily fluids seep into every layer of the fabric. So, over time, your pillow could accumulate several doses of saliva, skin cells, dust mites, and sweat , which would ultimately make it heavier. How much? According to studies, about 10% more!
This is how Philip Tierno, a microbiologist and pathologist at New York University School of Medicine and author of The Secret Life of Germs: Observations and Lessons from a Microbe Hunter , sums it up: “Human skin is food for dust mites. A person can sweat a liter of sweat in a single night , even more if they sleep under a pile of sheets.” What do you think?
9. It could prevent cranial deformity
When a baby is born prematurely, they may have something called positional scaphocephaly. This is a cranial deformity that occurs due to premature pressure on the head .
A study published by the Chilean Journal of Occupational Therapy indicates that this pressure could be reduced with the support of a gel pillow, which also reduces stiffness . Incredible, isn't it?
10. About the phrase 'Sleep on it'
Are you about to make an important decision and afraid of making a mistake? A common phrase we use in this regard is "sleep on it." It refers to taking the time necessary to act with your head .
It's a popular recommendation supported by science. A study conducted at Tel Aviv University (Israel) compared the brain activity of people who had normal sleep and others who had a sleepless night.
They found that those who hadn't gotten enough rest were unable to perform medium- to high-level cognitive tasks , and their attention and concentration worsened. So, sleep well! And better if it's with a comfortable pillow in tow.
seeing is believing
As you can see, myths, historical discoveries, and even scientific studies have been created around pillows. The most important thing is to know that they are essential for quality rest .
Take your sleep to the next level with pillows that offer comfort, practicality, and an ergonomic design that helps you feel full all day long.
