A good night’s sleep is essential to your overall well-being. If you rest well during the night, you will have the energy to get through the day without feeling exhausted, irritable, or stressed.

But what contributes to quality sleep? Limiting screen time before going to bed, managing stress, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule — among other factors.

Of course, your sleeping environment is an important factor too. A nice bed, a comfortable mattress, and a cozy pillow can make all the difference.

However, many people are unaware of the dangers hidden in their pillows.

When you think of the negative effects lurking in certain foods, cleaning chemicals, and everyday products, you often overlook your pillows.

In fact, pillows contain certain chemicals that can affect your health.

One of the most concerning is flame retardants, applied to materials to prevent burning or slow the spread of fire. According to NIH, some of the harmful impacts on your health caused by flame retardants may include “endocrine and thyroid disruption, immunotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, cancer, and adverse effects on fetal and child development and neurobehavioral function.”

VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids and include a variety of chemicals. In pillows, they can be released from adhesives used to hold the materials together and from the fabric covering the pillow.

When the same pillow is used for a long period of time — sometimes for months, it collects dead skin cells, oils released from the skin, and dirt. Worn-out pillows are the perfect environment for mites, bacteria, mold, and fungi.

The most common types of pillows that are likely to contain these harmful chemicals are the memory foam pillows. The same goes for pillows made of polyester or other synthetic fibers.

It is for the best to opt for pillows made from natural materials, such as bamboo or buckwheat. 

Before purchasing one, read the labels and be sure of the materials used.