Today more and more people experience troubles with their sleep - insomnia, sleep apnea, lack of energy in the morning. How do you create a good night routine? How do you fight all these sleeping disorders? It might be surprising but actually a lot of sleeping problems are hidden in the pillow that we choose.

Many synthetic fiber, foam and feather pillows contain toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde, stabilizers, plasticizers, UV inhibitors, antifungal agents. Additionally, both synthetic and down pillows are full of dust mites and millions of fungal spores. Researchers at The University of Manchester have found millions of fungal spores in most pillows. Aspergillus fumigatus, the species most commonly found in the pillows, can cause many health issues including cancer. The researchers dissected both feather and synthetic samples and discovered several thousand spores of fungus per gram of used pillow – more than a million spores per pillow. Additionally, even pillows labeled “hypoallergenic” are filled with polyester and foam that constantly emit minute plastic vapors as the fiber warms against your body.

What are Buckwheat Pillows?

A buckwheat hull pillow, commonly referred to as buckwheat pillow, is a pillow stuffed with the hulls of the buckwheat fruit which are the husks that protect the kernels. The husks are cleaned after the kernels have been removed and then placed inside of pillows.

The Japanese developed the use of buckwheat pillows over 600 years ago. The reason they chose buckwheat is that unlike grain wheat, it has a hard shell that won’t breakdown as easily, and has been used in ancient remedies for many maladies including varicose veins, radiation illness and even high blood pressure.

Buckwheat hull pillows Health Benefits

Buckwheat Pillows help relax tendons and muscles in your neck which helps you sleep in the correct posture.

Sussanna Czeranko, a naturopathic physician at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Ore. recommends buckwheat pillows to patients who have trouble sleeping, stating,

“If you support your cervical spine and neck, you are going to sleep better.”

You neck needs to be supported for you to maintain good posture during sleep. A buckwheat pillow is able to do that, because the buckwheat hulls do not compact while you’re sleeping, so once you get into a comfortable position and your head and neck is molded into the pillow correctly, your head and neck will be kept in an ergonomic position.

Buckwheat Pillows help relieve tension headaches

The pressure in your neck can be the reason for headaches. When you lay your head on buckwheat pillows, the hulls adjust their position inside to better contour your head and neck. This is how buckwheat hull pillows offer support and comfort with fewer pressure points.

Buckwheat pillows are naturally hypo-allergenic and dust-mite resistant.

The use of organic or properly cleaned hulls ensures there is no presence of toxins. Buckwheat hulls that are roasted to eliminate dust from growing fields and are vacuumed are best. The casings of the pillows are usually made from cotton. Make sure it’s 100% cotton to maintain the breathability of the pillow.