The Secret to Acing Your Classes? Better Sleep!

The Secret to Acing Your Classes? Better Sleep!

The Parallel team includes plenty of deep thinkers and former students. And as our extended families gear up for another school year, we’re reminded of one crucial ingredient for academic success that often gets neglected amidst the flurry of textbooks, extracurriculars, and social life: sleep.

We absolutely get it — between late-night study sessions and hanging out with classmates, it’s easy to let your sleep schedule slip. (It sort of happens automatically, right?)

But here’s the thing: skimping on sleep can seriously sabotage your brainpower and academic performance.

The Science of Sleep and Smarts

Countless studies have shown that getting enough high-quality sleep is essential for your health and cognitive function. When you sleep and your body is resting up, your brain is busily consolidating memories, processing information, and forging new neural connections. It’s that window of time when you finally recover from all that hard work, and hard play — and optimize for the next round.

On the flip side, sleep deprivation can lead to:

  • Difficulty concentrating and paying attention in class
  • Impaired memory and trouble retaining new information
  • Slower reaction times and reduced creativity
  • Increased stress, anxiety, and mood swings

Not exactly a recipe for straight A’s, right?

Hacking Your Sleep for Academic Success

So, how can you make sure you’re getting the quality Zzzs your student brain craves? Here are some tips:

1. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule.

Try to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same time every day, even on weekends. (We know, good luck with that.) Your body loves routine!

2. Create a sleep-friendly environment.

Keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool. Invest in a comfy mattress and pillow (like the amazing Parallel Adjustable Pillow!). Make your space a sleep sanctuary.

3. Wind down before bed.

Put away the screens at least an hour before bedtime. Read a book, take a warm bath, or do some gentle stretching to signal to your body that it’s officially time to relax.

4. Prioritize sleep.

We know it’s tempting to pull an all-nighter before a big exam, but cramming at the expense of sleep often backfires. Make getting 7-9 hours of shut-eye a non-negotiable part of your study plan.

 

    BOGO: Double Down for Better Grades

    Speaking of investing in your sleep, we've got an exciting promotion for you! When you buy a Parallel Pillow, you'll get a second one free as part of our BOGO (Buy One, Get One Free) offer. (Ending soon!)

    But that’s not all — for every Parallel Pillow purchased, we donate a pillow to a person in need. So, you’re not only improving your own sleep, but also helping others get a good night’s rest. It's a win-win-win!

    To learn more about the connection between sleep and academic performance, check out these helpful articles:

    The Parallel Pillow: Perfect for Students

    For students heading off to college or living away from home for the first time, the Parallel Adjustable Pillow is the ideal sleep companion.

    Its infinitely adjustable fill lets you customize your level of support, ensuring a comfortable night’s rest no matter your sleep position. The premium, moisture-wicking TENCEL™ cover keeps you cool and dry, year-round while our ParaPur™ antimicrobial technology helps maintain a fresh, clean, germ-free pillow regardless of dorm room cleanliness (or lack thereof 🤢).

    Whether you’re catching those precious Z’s in a campus dormitory, an apartment, or still in your childhood bed, the Parallel Pillow adapts to your needs, helping you wake up refreshed and primed to tackle your studies. 

    Graphic showing high and low profile versions of the Parallel Pillow with a CTA saying Buy It Now.

    Don’t Go Back Without Your Parallel Pillow

    Students, know this: making sleep a priority is one of the smartest moves you can make for your academic success 🎓 (not to mention your overall health and happiness!).

    And parents, supporting your child’s healthy sleep habits is just as important as helping them with their homework. 📚 An amazing pillow is an attractive reason for them to get to bed. (And hugging a Parallel Pillow is a welcome comfort when away from home. We’ve done it.)

    So, here’s to a school year filled with top grades, restful sleep, and unforgettable times!

    Skip to product information
    Low Profile Standard Size Parallel Pillow

    Parallel Adjustable Pillow

    The Sleep Solution That Adapts to You

    Not just a pillow—Parallel is a fully adjustable sleep system designed to support your posture, reduce pain, and help you wake up feeling better.

    • Fully adjustable: add or remove fill to find your perfect height
    • Dual-density fill + TENCEL™ provides breathable support and no flattening
    • Omigosh-soft cover is cool to the touch and machine-washable
    • ParaPur™ antimicrobial protection keeps the pillow clean and fresh
    Profile
    Size
    Logo of The Salvation Army on a white background

    We donate a pillow to The Salvation Army for every pillow purchased

    A truck icon

    Free Shipping

    A credit card icon

    90-Day Risk-Free Trial

    A heart icon

    Try, Give Back

    Details

    High Profile
    Ideal for side sleepers or those with broader shoulders

    • Standard: 26" x 18" — 4 lb
    • King: 34" x 18" — 5 lb
    • Height: 7"

    Low Profile
    Great for smaller frames, stomach sleepers, or back sleepers who prefer less head support

    • Standard: 26" x 18" — 3 lb
    • King: 34" x 18" — 4 lb
    • Height: 5.75"

    Adjustable to You
    Every Parallel Pillow includes a zippered inner liner so you can easily add or remove fill to suit your sleep style.  Prefer more loft? We’ll send extra fill at no charge.

    Premium Materials

    TENCEL™ Washable Outer Cover
    The outer cover is ultra-soft and breathable, made from sustainable TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers that wick moisture and dissipate heat to maintain a consistent, comfortable sleep surface.
    Enhanced with Move and Cool™, a plant-based moisture management treatment that improves evaporation and stays effective for up to 30 washes.

    ParaPur™ Antimicrobial Inner Cover
    Our 4-way stretch inner liner is permanently embedded with Ionic+™ silver ions—a mineral-based antimicrobial technology that destroys 99.99% of microbes.
    Because this layer isn’t washable, we made sure it stays fresh for the life of the pillow.


    Blutech Fusion Fill (BFF)
    Inside is our custom blend of:

    • Down-alternative microfibers (25% by weight): soft, lofty, and made from 100% recycled material—the equivalent of up to 23 plastic bottles per pillow
    • Traditional memory foam (37.5%): plant-based polyol foam for deep, conforming support
    • Gel memory foam (37.5%): temperature-stable and quick-response for consistent support and airflow

    All foams are CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning they're made without harmful chemicals and meet rigorous standards for content, emissions, and durability.

    Cleaning & Care

    Before First Use
    Tumble your Parallel Pillow in the dryer on low heat for 5 minutes to restore loft after shipping.

    Outer Cover

    • Zippered and removable
    • Machine wash cold with mild detergent
    • Tumble dry low
    • Do not bleach

    Inner Cover

    • Spot clean only with mild soap and water
    • Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low
    • Do not bleach

    The inner liner is treated with ParaPur™ and should remain fresh without regular washing.

    How We Give

    For every Parallel Pillow sold, we donate one to someone in need.Having worked with community organizations for years, our founders saw firsthand how something as simple as a clean, supportive pillow can provide comfort during difficult times.

    We’ve partnered with The Salvation Army to ensure donation pillows are delivered to displaced children, adults, and seniors across North America—where they’re needed most. We’re committed to sharing our impact as we grow.