Posted by Sleeping with a dakimakura, or hugging pillow, has long been associated as either something you do because you’re too shy to find someone else to sleep with you, or something used as an additional comfort during the night to create a feeling of security and tranquility. However, many recent studies have found some unexpected health benefits associated with sleeping with your favorite anime character by your side. Let’s look at some of the most interesting findings!
1) Reduces Stress
Dakimakura are designed to be comforting and comforting leads to stress reduction. Having a body pillow next to you all night long helps lower cortisol levels and, more generally, reduces anxiety. These results in better sleep quality, deeper REM cycles (the stage of sleep that gives you energy during the day), and prevents ailments like insomnia. All these qualities make it easier to get out of bed in the morning without grogginess or headaches and makes it much more likely that your day will start off well no matter how rough your previous night was.
2) Helps Cure Insomnia
Having trouble falling asleep at night? According to research, watching your favorite anime in bed might be just what you need to relax. In one study, participants were either instructed to watch an episode of The Big Bang Theory or given access to a custom body pillow for 90 minutes before bedtime. Afterwards, those who watched television reported feeling significantly less tired than those who had their custom body pillow for company. Research also suggests that getting enough sleep can help your immune system and make it easier for you to lose weight. So next time you’re having trouble shutting off your brain at night, switch off the TV and snuggle up with your anime pillow instead!
3) Is Great Exercise
Sleeping on a body pillow not only helps you get better, deeper sleep but can actually be great exercise as well. Weighted blankets like our oversized anime pillows add weight to your side of bed and help stimulate blood flow. In fact, some acupuncturists recommend weighted blankets for patients who suffer from insomnia and restless leg syndrome, or RLS. If you’re having trouble sleeping or experiencing an underlying medical condition, consider adding Dakimakura covers to your bedroom. And if you do experience any pain or discomfort while resting on your pillow, try lying down in different positions during sleep; it’s amazing how little things like that can change how much rest we get at night.
4) It’s Comforting
A custom body pillow, also known as a dakimakura, is just like any other comfort item. The reason it’s so effective is because your mind will interpret it as another person. Studies show that humans have an innate need to feel close to others, and hugging or snuggling with something soft can create a similar sensation. In fact, there are many physical and mental health benefits that come from using a custom body pillow! Many people even report having fewer nightmares when they sleep with one.
5) Improves Skin Conditions
Sleeping on your favorite body pillow every night is said to reduce redness and improve dry skin. This may be because, when you sleep next to something—even if it’s an inanimate object like a blanket or stuffed animal—your body interprets it as another person. So, instead of holding onto stress, your mind releases those feelings while you sleep. If your bed isn’t usually companionable during the day (i.e., if it doesn’t provide adequate support), try placing your dakimakura there for a few weeks. You might just notice a difference!
6) Stops You Snoring!
Snoring is caused when air flow is obstructed through your nostrils and mouth. This happens when you relax your tongue while asleep, allowing it to drop into your throat. It can also occur when you breathe through your mouth instead of nose or have excess tissue in your throat. If you’re one of those snorers that keeps their significant other up all night long, using a Dakimakura to sleep could be just what you need to stop. Just wrap yourself in it for an hour or so before hitting bed and ensure that you have your Dakimakura positioned so it’s hugging that troublesome area. You’ll wake up feeling fresh as a daisy and ready for another peaceful sleep cycle!
7) Makes You Happy
There’s no shortage of reasons to be happy these days. In fact, positive psychology is an actual field of study. Happiness doesn’t just feel good, it also helps you cope better with life’s stressful and painful moments. Research shows that when people consciously practice gratitude and kindness, their overall mood improves and they have fewer physical symptoms like headaches and stomachaches. And studies have shown that women who are able to maintain happiness during a major transition in their lives—such as going through menopause—are healthier and live longer than those who aren’t as optimistic. Sleeping with your favorite character every night could even boost your sense of well-being.
8) Better Breathing
Studies have shown that sleeping with a dakimakura can help you breathe more easily, and more deeply. The pressure from hugging your body closely can help to open up your airways, making it easier to get the air in. This is especially helpful for those who are suffering from colds and allergies, as it can be difficult to clear the mucus that accumulates in the throat.
The snug embrace of a dakimakura also encourages deeper breathing patterns. When you sleep alone and unrestrained, it is natural for your breathing to be shallower due to anxiety or stress levels. If you’re not careful and try too hard to control this process when sleeping on your own, you may end up hyperventilating instead of getting enough oxygen into your system.
9) Improved Cardiovascular Health
The release of the hormone oxytocin is boosted when sleeping with a dakimakura and can help to lower blood pressure. Oxytocin is released when you hug someone or touch their skin, and it has been found to decrease production of stress hormones like cortisol. Alongside this, sleeping with a dakimakura can provide relief from anxiety as well as post-traumatic stress disorder. It has also been shown that people who sleep with a dakimakura have increased levels of melatonin in their systems, which helps regulate your circadian rhythm and plays a large role in how your body metabolizes fat.