Sleep is one of the most vital pillars of life, yet so many of us are deprived of this basic need! A poorly functioning body is a recipe for stress and poor sleep. It can lead to a frustrating and unhealthy cycle where reduced sleep quality prevents us from functioning at our best and increases our chances of developing all sorts of diseases.
The benefits of chiropractic care
Chiropractors are spine specialists and sleep issues aren’t typically the primary reason for seeking our help. It’s usually during a patient’s initial consultation with us that we discover just how their condition is affecting daily life, and sleep is a basic human need that’s so often implicated.
The spine is a two-way system communicating information between our brain and body. If this nerve pathway becomes irritated you might experience pain, often neck, shoulder or back pain. It could be intense or more of a burning, tingling, or numb sensation. However you feel, this general sense of discomfort seeps into other areas of life affecting our ability to think clearly, sleep restfully and function normally.
Chiropractic care treats the underlying cause by removing the physical and emotional stress on your spine. Benefits of regular chiropractic adjustments, which may ease a sleepless mind, include:
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Improving nervous function
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Relieving pain and discomfort
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Easing muscle tension and restlessness
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Relaxing the body and mind, creating the inner conditions needed for a truly restful night.
‘I originally came to Spinal Care Clinics with low back pain & neck stiffness. Both are now better with regular chiropractic and massage. In particular, from years of sleeping badly, I can now sleep soundly!’ Anna Pear
Bedtime Routine
Sleep might be effortless and automatic but falling asleep can be a real paradox. As we try harder to force our eyes shut, we move further away from drifting off and that’s why it’s so important to create the right environment for a healthy calming night.
The right pillow and mattress can be a real game changer when it comes to catching those precious Zs. Aim for a pillow that keeps your spine in a neutral position throughout the night. Take a look at all the dos and don’ts on pillows and sleeping posture here.
Setting a bedtime routine is one of the best ways to appease the mind and disengage from a hectic day. Disconnecting from electronic devices at least 30 minutes before bed and taking this time to practice breathing exercises is a great way to unwind. By going to bed at the same time, we build a pattern that trains the mind to drift off more easily.