Get Better Sleep Naturally with Chiropractic
In the U.S., there are around 50 to 70 million Americans living with a sleep disorder. Having issues with falling or staying asleep can have a negative impact on your overall health and well-being. There are countless options to get better sleep, such as buying a supportive mattress and pillow, taking sleep medications, maintaining a bedtime routine, or using natural remedies like massage or aromatherapy. Chiropractic care is another all-natural method to improve your sleep quality and treat certain sleep disorders. Keep reading to take a look at how you can get better sleep naturally with this holistic care.
Get Better Sleep Naturally
The National Sleep Foundation indicates that nearly one-third of people that receive chiropractic adjustments experience an immediate improvement to their overall quality of sleep. Since getting enough restful sleep is vital for long-term health and wellness, it’s not surprising that this is a main benefit of chiropractic adjustments.
For patients living with sleep issues, some of the benefits of receiving regular chiropractic adjustments include:
- Improving the nervous system’s functions
- Promoting blood circulation and blood flow
- Reducing muscle tension that can cause restlessness at night
- Relaxing the body and mind
Aside from receiving adjustments, a chiropractor will also recommend other tips for patients to get better sleep. This may include better sleep positions, postural exercises, and buying a more supportive mattress and pillow.
Treat Sleep Disorders
For millions of Americans, they have more serious sleep issues known as sleep disorders. It can be frustrating to find relief and get quality sleep, especially when the issues have lasted for years. Two of the most common disorders are insomnia and sleep apnea.
Insomnia
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders, which refers to a person that finds it difficult to fall or stay asleep, as well as get enough sleep. This disorder can be caused by various factors, such as psychiatric, an illness, poor sleep habits, environmental factors, using drugs, or having a misaligned spine. Chronic pain in the back or neck are other common issues that can contribute to insomnia. Indeed, this isn’t surprising when someone is living in constant pain for years.
Like any health issue, it’s recommended to see a specialist doctor that can determine the root cause of a sleep disorder. Once the source is identified, the doctor will recommend various treatment options. When combined with other treatments, chiropractic is an excellent method to treat insomnia without any harsh drugs that have unpleasant side effects. Indeed, chiropractors can perform gentle and specific adjustments to treat spine misalignments. The chiropractor may use a high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) treatment that is effective at addressing issues with joint dysfunctions too.
By receiving regular adjustments, this all-natural, drug-free care can decrease a patient’s pain and thus, improve their quality of sleep. In general, most patients notice an immediate reduction in their pain and experience more relaxed muscles. Chiropractors also help restore balance to the feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. Indeed, this can help people feel more relaxed and happy, which can help treat insomnia.
Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is another common sleep disorder that affects over 22 million Americans. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is one of the most common types of sleep apnea. OSA refers to when a person’s soft tissue inside their mouth and throat relax while they sleep and thus block their upper airways. This serious condition causes numerous short periods of not inhaling, which occurs every hour while a person is asleep. These lapses last about 10 to 20 seconds long, which is enough time to reduce oxygen levels and cause the body to wake up to restart the breathing cycle. Since these lapses take place multiple times in a row, it makes it nearly impossible to get a good night’s rest. If left untreated, this disorder can cause brain damage and other serious health risks.
Spine Misalignments
Spine misalignments can contribute to various issues, including sleep disorders. These misalignments may be the result of an injury, poor posture, or sitting too long on a regular basis. Misalignments within the neck and upper body can cause airway blockage. Chiropractors are trained to use targeted adjustments and soft tissue massages to relax a patient’s muscles, reduce tension, and encourage better breathing. Also, chiropractors may recommend that their patients perform breathing exercises to strengthen the soft tissues in their throat and mouth causing snoring and apnea.
At Anchor Health Chiropractic, our Noblesville Chiropractor is here to help you achieve better sleep naturally through our advanced chiropractic care. Learn more about how chiropractic can help treat sleep issues by contacting us today. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your fullest health potential.
