Just thought I would share this information in case it helps anyone. I have actually been on the "inner ear disorders" board more because that is where my problems started. Lately I have been experiencing headaches, especially upon wakening, and I attributed them to the Viral Labyrinthitis that I have (inner ear illness).

I read somewhere that the type of pillow you use can definitely have an impact on headaches, and sure enough, I realized that I have been using a puffier pillow to try to elevate my head so I wouldn't get the inner ear fluid. And this is when some of the headaches occurred. So I went back to my normal flatter pillow and my headaches have been better.

I know that sounds kind of silly and simple, but you might want to try it. If you head or neck is sort of "cricked" or at a weird angle all night long while you sleep, it could be causing headaches the next day. Try a flat pillow or no pillow.

Missy,

how thoughtful of you to share this with fellow headache sufferers! :)

I have a question regarding pillows: have you tried those orthopedic memory foam pillows? If so, what was your experience with them?

I have two different ones. One is light & curved, the other very dense & heavy, also curved. I wake up with a sore neck no matter which one I sleep on. I suspect that, contrary to what their proven benefits are, in my case they contribute to my headaches/neckaches. (My headaches are at the back of the head).

Flowergirl

Nope - I have not tried any of those types of pillows. I was tempted to go out and buy a fancy "headache-friendly" pillow once I figured out the problem, but I think I will just circulate through my present pillows to find the right one.

This morning I woke up with a terrible headache and once again, it was DEFINITELY from the pillow - I could feel the crick in my neck. So tonight I am going to try a flatter one. I don't want to have it TOO flat though, because you really want your head to be straight and not curved at all. But it's just a matter of finding the right one I guess.

Thanks for your feedback too! :)

Missy, I had to laugh when reading your post!

That's because I was reminded of an old fairy tale, in which a princess cannot get a decent sleep - it's called "the Princess and the Pea" or something like that....our pillow discussion is so funny!

I think you are right in not wanting to waste your money on one of these pillows. They cost $80+ and are not worth it. :yawn:

Flowergirl

LOL - Princess and the Pea! What is also kind of funny is that I remember one time a friend of mine complaining about not being able to sleep well because of his mattress and pillows. I remember thinking to myself, "What's the big deal? I can sleep on any kind of mattress and feel GREAT! I can even sleep on the floor? What's he talking about?" And then it happened to me...

I guess that's what it means by, "Judge not, lest ye be judged..." :)

Anyway, I hope you find the right pillow. Last night I used a different one and it felt a little better this morning. I still have a dull headache though, this time on my left side. :rolleyes:

Melissa

me1e1,

You guys sound just like my husband. He is a pillow freak. We too would have pillows throughout the house if it weren't for him disposing of them elsewhere. He'll buy one, sleep on it once and throw it out if it's not to his liking. I"ll rescue it & hide it as I don't like to see money wasted like that. He has yet to find the perfect pillow. Even the ones that pass his requirements are not kept for long. He now gives his pillows to the homeless to stop me from keeping them. So I guess they are not really a waste of money.

I am glad you found a good deal on the memory foam pillows. I sleep on one simply because I have it. I think my neck would me more sore if I didn't. It does not help the headache very much though.

Flowergirl

m1e1,

Good luck in getting rid of that neck pain! Now that you'll be less busy, remember to do things for yourself that you enjoy. It's very important to one's well-being and helps reduce the stress. I learned the hard way.
Life is not all about work and no play.

P.S. I just thought of another way to use up those pillows...the kids could have a giant pillow fight! I guess your headache would get much worse trying to clean up after them. :D

Flowergirl

m1e1,

Good luck in getting rid of that neck pain! Now that you'll be less busy, remember to make the time for doing the things that you enjoy. It's very important to one's well-being and helps reduce the stress. I learned the hard way! Life is not all about work and no play. :cool:

P.S. I just thought of another way to use up those pillows...the kids could have a giant pillow fight! I guess your headache would get much worse trying to clean up after them. :D

Flowergirl