Sleep Benefits of Going to a Chiropractor
Do you have chronic sleep issues? Or is it just the long hours of light and summer heat that are messing with your circadian rhythm? You’ve probably tried keeping your bedroom cool with AC or a fan, taken the advice to avoid blue light in the couple of hours before bed, and used curtains or a sleep mask to keep the sunshine from waking you up too early. But one thing you might not have tried yet is heading to your chiropractor for an adjustment.
Wait—there are sleep benefits of going to a chiropractor? If you think of chiropractors primarily as people who help with back and neck pain, it may surprise you to learn that chiropractic care has a lot of other benefits as well, and it’s not just for people who struggle with chronic pain. One of the many health areas a chiropractor can help with is sleep.
It’s incredibly important to give your body its best chance at a good night’s rest. Getting your eight hours helps your immune system to fight off disease, increases your energy, and puts you in a better mood. But sleep can be a struggle. Here’s how a visit to the chiropractor can help you sleep better and reap all the health benefits of a solid sleep schedule.
Lower Stress Levels
First, chiropractic care has been shown to lower levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is good for us in the right amount, but can cause all kinds of problems when it gets out of balance—including sleep problems. Chiropractic care can lower cortisol to a healthier level, making it easier for your body and mind to relax so you can manage a healthy sleep/wake cycle.
Increase Blood Flow to the Nervous System
Second, chiropractic care increases the flow of blood to the nervous system. The nervous system is your body’s command center, responsible for making sure all parts of the body communicate with each other to keep you safe and healthy. Taking care of your nervous system is key to almost any aspect of your health and well-being. And yes, that means sleep too. By increasing blood flow to the nervous system, chiropractic care can help this central system to function better, leading to better sleep and a host of other benefits.
Correct Spinal Misalignment
Third, a chiropractor can correct spinal misalignments. You probably already knew this, but perhaps you didn’t realize that proper alignment of the spine has a lot to do with helping you get a good night’s sleep. Why? Because your spinal cord is one of the primary parts of your nervous system. When your spine is out of alignment, your nervous system isn’t able to send signals properly, which means that all sorts of functions—including sleeping and waking—can be interrupted.
Advice for Good Sleep Maintenance
Finally, your chiropractor can offer advice on lifestyle changes you can make to improve your chances of resting well. Depending on your sleep issues, they may address:
- Sleep position: Sleeping on your side or back tends to be better for you than sleeping on your stomach.
- Type of mattress and pillow: While we all have our preferences, a firm mattress tends to be a better choice, as it offers full support for your spine. A firmer pillow also gives your head and neck good support and proper placement.
- Gentle stretches: Since tension builds up in our muscles over the course of the day, gentle stretches and relaxation techniques can prepare your body for sleep.
- Natural sleep aids: If you’re suffering from a vitamin deficiency or simply need a little extra help getting your Z’s, supplements can make a world of difference in improving your sleep quality.
If you’re struggling with sleep—whether it’s a chronic issue or something that’s only cropped up recently—make an appointment to see one of our practitioners at Tracy and Keim Chiropractic. We know how important a healthy sleep cycle is to your overall well-being, and we’re here to help you live your healthiest lifestyle. Work better, play better, and yes—sleep better.
References
- https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-cortisol
- https://vitalitypc.com/3-components-of-insomnia-that-chiropractic-care-can-help-with/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21946-spinal-cord
- https://www.thejoint.com/arizona/peoria/park-west-48028/210226-4-reason-chiropractor-can-improve-your-sleep
Posted In:
Chiropractic
Sleep
