For many people, the side-sleeping position feels the most natural. But for athletes - especially golfers - it can be a silent cause of morning pain and stiffness. If you've ever woken up with a tight, aching shoulder, your pillow might be to blame.
When you sleep on your side, there's a significant gap between your head and the mattress. If your pillow is too thin, your head will drop, misaligning your neck and putting excessive pressure on your shoulder. This compression can lead to that nagging pain that makes it difficult to swing a club or effectively rotate your arms.
"Your pillow is a critical piece of the puzzle for a pain-free night. It should keep your head aligned with your neck and spine, preventing the shoulder from collapsing and a forward head position which can lead to discomfort."
- Dr. Gbolahan Okubadejo, Board-Certified Spinal & Orthopedic Surgeon
The Biomechanics of Side-Sleeping
To truly recover, your head and neck need to be perfectly aligned with your spine. This allows your muscles to relax and your body to begin the repair process. For side sleepers, the pillow needs to be thick enough to fill the space between your head and your shoulder.
A pillow that is too thin will cause your head to tilt downwards, putting strain on your neck and compressing your shoulder joint.
A pillow that is too thick will push your head upwards, creating tension in your neck and upper back.
Also, if your pillow isn't providing the right amount of support there's a far greater likelihood that you'll be tossing and turning - leading to more micro-awakenings and fragmented deep sleep.
The goal is to find a pillow that provides the right loft and firmness to keep your neck and spine in a straight, neutral line. As noted in a guide from the Sleep Foundation, finding the right pillow can significantly improve spinal alignment and alleviate pain - all of which are critical when you're trying to wake up ready to perform.
How an Adjustable Pillow Changes the Game
This is where the power of an adjustable pillow comes in. Unlike a one-size-fits-all pillow, an adjustable pillow allows you to customize the amount of fill. This means you can create a pillow that perfectly contours to your unique body type and sleeping position.
For side sleepers, the ability to add more fill and achieve a higher loft is crucial - especially for those with broad shoulders. This will support your head and neck without compressing your shoulder. For more on the importance of proper alignment, check out our post on The Golfer's Guide to Waking Up Without a Stiff Neck.
The Lagoon Pillow for Side Sleepers
At Lagoon, our pillows are designed with the side-sleeper in mind. The ability to customize the fill means you can create a pillow that perfectly fits the space between your head and your mattress, ensuring perfect spinal alignment. This simple adjustment can be the key to waking up feeling refreshed, pain-free, and ready for your day.
Your pillow should work for you, not against you. Stop settling for pillows that leave you feeling sore and start recovering properly.
If sleep on your side and like a more cozy pillow, we recommend the Otter. If you prefer a firmer option, then you'll enjoy our newest arrival the Polar Bear.
Need More Help?
Take our quick quiz to find the perfect Lagoon pillow for your sleep position and recovery needs.
