One of my favorite times of the day is right before I go to bed, for if I'm not avidly blogging, I try and devote at least an hour to reading a great book before I go to sleep.  This time allows me to relax my body fully and focus my mind on just one singular thing, instead of the usual multi-tasking craziness.

This "pre-sleep ritual" is one that I established back in college, and always seems to lull me into a peaceful, restful night's sleep.  Of course, when reading for a long period of time like this, it's important to have a quality pillow that's up for the job.  That's why I was so happy to have the chance to review the Stress Ease Comfort Reader Pillow from Dr. James B. Maas and United Feather & Down.  Keep reading to learn more as well as enter to win one for yourself!

Dr. James B. Maas is a foremost sleep expert and author of the best-selling book, "Power Sleep: The Revolutionary Program that Prepares Your Mind for Peak Performance" and the sequel "Sleep for Success! Everything You Must Know About Sleep But Are Too Tired to Ask".  He has recently teamed with bedding manufacturer, United Feather & Down, to introduce the first support pillow designed specifically for your pre-sleep ritual to provide superior comfort while resting, watching TV, reading, etc., called the Stress Ease Comfort Reader Pillow.

The Sleep for Success! Stress Ease Comfort Reader Pillow comes complete with a Removable Stress Ease Cotton Pillow Protector, Reusable Hot/Cold Therapy Pack and even a Sleep for Success! Booklet featuring tips for optimal sleep.  The Stress Ease Comfort Reader Pillow is a down alternative pillow that is the same shape as a European Square Pillow (26" x 26").

I love that United Feather & Down thought to make this pillow a standard European size, so that now I can easily use the Euro shams that match my current bedding pattern, so that it blends perfectly with the other pillows on my bed.

The Stress Ease Comfort Reader Pillow is so special because it positions the body correctly for reading and spinal alignment, and offers a reusable hot/cold pack to truly take away the stress of the day.  It is also constructed with an independent lumbar support compartment to provide superior support for the lower back.

You can also rotate the pillow so that the independent support compartment provides support for the upper back and shoulders.  This is also true of the hot/cold therapy pack.  Now you can place this stress-relieving pack anywhere you experience minor aches and pains, helping you to easily slip off to sleep.

The pillow itself is constructed of a durable twill-weave cotton with a down-alternative fill and the protective removable cover is a combed cotton with a pocket for the hot/cold therapy pack.

I have to admit that I loved using the Sleep for Success! Stress Ease Comfort Reader Pillow while I perform my pre-sleep ritual of reading a good book.  It's also perfect for watching a great movie in bed or on the couch too!  After a long, hard day, I also really appreciate having the hot/cold therapy pack to relieve my aches and pains while relaxing in bed.

Quality sleep promotes REM sleep, reduces stress, anxiety and even strengthens the immune system, allowing you to feel totally re-energized throughout the day.  So if you need a great support pillow for your pre-sleep ritual, then I highly recommend the Stress Ease Comfort Reader Pillow!