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The Dirty Truth About Your Old Pillow

Over time, your once-fluffy pillow loses its shape and support, which can negatively impact your sleep and overall health. According to Dr. Rohrscheib, “A flattened or unsupportive pillow can cause your airway to become partially blocked during sleep.” This may lead to more frequent snoring and can even worsen symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition that already disrupts breathing during sleep. If you’ve noticed you’re waking up more tired or snoring louder than usual, your pillow might be the hidden culprit.

Beyond sleep disturbances, your old pillow could also be harming your skin. As it ages, it collects oil, dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, and bacteria—especially if it hasn’t been washed or replaced regularly. Essentially, your pillow becomes a breeding ground for things that don’t belong near your face. No matter how diligent you are with your skincare routine, sleeping on a dirty pillow can undo your hard work, potentially leading to clogged pores, irritation, and persistent breakouts.

So if you’re investing in high-quality skincare but still not seeing the glowing results you expect, it might be time to take a closer look at where you’re laying your head each night. Experts recommend replacing your pillow every 1 to 2 years, and washing your pillowcases weekly, to maintain both better sleep quality and clearer skin. A simple pillow upgrade could go a long way in supporting your health—both inside and out.

Benefits of Drinking Warm Salt Water

Wellness influencers and natural health advocates are buzzing about a simple, ancient ritual: sipping warm salt water. It’s more than a TikTok trend—this salty sip may offer real benefits for hydration, digestion, and more. But what does science (and tradition) say about it?

According to Dr. Peter Bastian, a preventive medicine specialist, sodium plays a key role in hydration by helping water enter your cells. Think of it like a hydration helper, drawing water where it’s needed most. During exercise or hot, humid conditions, you lose both water and electrolytes—especially sodium—through sweat. 

Adding a pinch of unrefined salt (like Himalayan pink or sea salt) to warm water helps replace those lost electrolytes and supports better fluid absorption than plain water alone.

But the benefits don’t stop there.

Drinking warm salt water, especially first thing in the morning, may also stimulate digestion by encouraging stomach acid production and bile flow—helping your gut prepare for food. Anecdotal evidence and Ayurvedic practices also suggest it may support detoxification, flushing out toxins and gently encouraging regular bowel movements. The warm temperature can further soothe the digestive tract and reduce bloating.

Salt water is also rich in trace minerals like magnesium and potassium, which can support nerve function and adrenal health and even improve sleep quality when consumed mindfully.

So if you’re feeling depleted, sluggish, or need a hydration reset—this simple, salty ritual might be worth a warm welcome.