The head starts with the neck: an evening ritual for a clear head

About a quarter of the body’s total blood volume goes to the head. Four arteries lead to it: two carotid arteries at the front and two vertebral arteries at the back. If even one of them is compressed by tense neck muscles, the head receives less blood — hence heaviness, fatigue, poor sleep and reduced performance.

Our “sleep culture” harms the neck

“Put your head down and close your eyes. And the pillow should be soft and big!” Dr Malko jokes. A soft, high pillow bends the neck, muscles stay tense all night, and the head is “underfed” exactly when it should be resting.

Prepare your neck for the night

The author’s main idea: before sleep, neck muscles should relax and the cervical spine should be gently stretched. He suggests a simple ritual:

1. MasterPlus in the evening — warm the neck and shoulder girdle and do a gentle cervical decompression.
2. The 365 pillow an hour before bed — lie so that your head hangs freely off the roll without touching the surface. According to Dr Malko, this is the most important technique: the neck stretches and the muscles relax.
3. Sleep in warmth — on the Wellness Mat the neck and shoulders stay relaxed all night.

Your arms “grow” from your neck

Another observation of the author: tension in the shoulders, numb arms and tired eyes are often linked not to the arms or eyes themselves, but to the cervical and thoracic spine. Children at school desks overload their necks too — so evening warmth for the neck is good for the whole family.

“Learn to sleep on the 365 pillow and keep the others at home for decoration,” advises Dr Malko.

Based on Alexander Malko’s book “Be Healthy with MasterPlus”. For information only; it does not replace medical advice.