Every golfer knows the feeling of waking up on a Saturday morning, excited for your tee time, only to find your neck is tight, your shoulders are stiff, and your swing feels off before you’ve even had your coffee.
You've tried stretching, foam rolling, and even a few over-the-counter remedies, but the problem keeps coming back. The solution to your stiffness might not be on the course or in the gym, but actually in your bed.
Your pillow is the single most important piece of equipment for your recovery. A well-designed pillow keeps your body in a state of rest and repair. A poor pillow causes subtle stress and strain that compounds overnight, leaving you feeling less than your best.
"The shorter you sleep, the shorter your life. The fewer Z's you get, the more likely you are to be injured... It doesn't matter who you are or what you do, a lack of sleep will demolish your physical performance."
- Dr. Matthew Walker, Neuroscientist and Author of Why We Sleep
Why Your Neck and Back Hurt from a Golf Swing
The golf swing is a powerful, rotational movement that puts significant stress on your spine. From your backswing to your follow-through, you are coiling and uncoiling your body with force. When you don't recover properly, the muscles in your neck, back, and shoulders can tighten and inflame.
A bad pillow can make this problem worse. If your pillow is too flat or too high, it forces your neck into an unnatural position. This puts pressure on your cervical spine, constricting blood flow and preventing your muscles from fully relaxing and repairing themselves.
You’re essentially starting your day with a handicap.
The Science of a Pain-Free Swing
Your body needs deep sleep to recover. During this critical time, your body releases human growth hormone (), which is essential for repairing damaged tissue and rebuilding muscles. If you’re not sleeping well, you’re not recovering well. This affects everything from your swing speed and accuracy to your flexibility and endurance.
Proper alignment is the key, as your head, neck, and spine should form a straight line, just as they would when you’re standing straight. Your pillow’s job is to ensure this alignment is maintained all night long. As noted by the Mayo Clinic, a supportive pillow is crucial for maintaining proper spinal alignment and reducing pain.
Finding the Right Pillow is a Game-Changer
Choosing the right pillow for a pain-free golf game means looking for a few key features.
Adjustable Loft: Your body is unique, and so are your sleep needs. A pillow with adjustable fill allows you to add or remove material to achieve the perfect height. This is crucial for maintaining a neutral spine, whether you're a side sleeper or a back sleeper.
Supportive Materials: Look for materials that don’t compress or lose their shape over time. A supportive pillow will hold your head and neck in place all night, preventing you from waking up with that all-too-familiar stiffness.
Cooling Technology: Body temperature regulation is a critical factor in sleep quality. A pillow that keeps you cool prevents you from waking up from overheating, ensuring you get the full, restorative sleep you need.
The Lagoon Advantage
At Lagoon, we believe sleep is a form of training. Our pillows are engineered to support the way athletes recover. We’ve worked with athletes to create a pillow that addresses these specific pain points. Our pillows are adjustable, so you can customize them for perfect spinal alignment. They are also made with cooling materials to prevent overheating and sleep disruption.
Don't let a bad pillow ruin your game. By making a small investment in your sleep, you're making a huge investment in your performance on the course.
Ready to Fix Your Neck and Your Game?
Take our 2-minute sleep quiz to find the perfect Lagoon pillow for your unique sleep profile.
