How chiropractic care can benefit your sleep
Everybody loves a good night sleep! Humans will spend up to 1/3 of their entire lives sleeping. The body needs sleep to repair damage and gain energy for the following day. We now understand how important sleep is for good physical and mental health.
Many adults have trouble sleeping and get much less sleep than in needed. This causes chronic fatigue, poor concentrations, higher risks of infections, and many other side effects. Pain, tension, restlessness, numbness, and nervous system imbalances all interfere with the body’s ability to fall and stay sleep. Consequences of not getting enough sleep are weight gain, cognitive impairment, mood irregularities, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Many people try so many different options from doctors to prescription drugs to try to regulate their sleep. However, many people never consider how chiropractic care can help improve their sleep! Chiropractic care is a natural and non-invasive way to help alleviate pain and tension that build us in the spine. It makes the body more comfortable and relaxed to be able to fall asleep. Adjustments enhance the central nervous system allowing efficient function of the body. This can solve many problems within the body, such as pain and imbalances, and can allow the body to relax and unwind to be able to fall asleep. So, does chiropractic care actually help people sleep? 1/3 of people who have regular chiropractic adjustments report that they had immediate sleep improvement. 40% of infants experience deeper sleep after just one adjustment.
Another major complaint that keeps people up at night is not being comfortable. Making sure the spine is supported while sleeping is important. Having proper pillows, supportive mattresses, and certain sleep positions can make a difference if you are having sleep problems. Our chiropractors can recommend possible solutions. Chiropractic care can alleviate discomfit that is causing restless sleep. Our chiropractors can help evaluate your sleep patterns and provide solutions and relief to help you get better rest throughout the night. If back pain, neck pain, and headaches are keeping you awake at night, chiropractic care can help improve your sleep.
At Balanced Spine Chiropractic we also recommend Peace Pillows for our patients with sleep problems. Peace Pillows are a high-density memory foam pillow that helps support the neck and shoulders while sleeping. The unique shape of the pillow lowers the head and neck, allowing for correct spinal alignment in a supportive position. This pillow also helps reduce or eliminate snoring, aids posture, supports upper back and neck muscles, helps with relaxation, and helps stress relief.
Knowing the different sleeping positions can help you determine if you are sleeping in a position that may be affecting your sleep. The ‘foetal’ position has many benefits while sleeping. It is great for lower back pain, pregnancy, and can help reduce snoring. However, posture must be relaxed, or it can limit deep breathing. Also, if you have any joint pain it can leave a person sore. Sleeping on your side, especially your left, can have many benefits. It can reduce snoring and improve digestion and heartburn. This position is also recommended for pregnancy. However, it can cause stiffness in the shoulders and cause the jaw to become tight. Putting a pillow between the lower legs can help avoid hip and lower back pain. Sleeping on your stomach is not recommended. It may be a good position for snoring or sleep apnea but there are very few other benefits. It causes both neck and back pain. It also causes strain on the muscles and joints. Sleeping on your back is one of the best options. It is the best for protecting the spine, hips, and even knees. Gravity helps keep the spine aligned in this position and reduces pressure on the back and joints. The only downside to this position is snoring.
Through regular adjustments, supportive sleep gear, and correct sleeping positions you can start getting the good night sleep you deserve! At Balanced Spine Chiropractic our chiropractors are here to help you sleep better and live a pain-free life!