Getting enough sleep at night is vital to helping us make it through the next day. As you sleep, your body uses the time to rejuvenate itself, allowing you to feel well-rested in the morning. Having trouble sleeping is one of the most common complaints in adults. As a society, we get far less sleep than we need. This can result in excessive fatigue, poor concentration, and other negative side effects. Though you may not look to a chiropractor for sleep improvement, many patients report immediate sleep improvement after just a single adjustment. What’s even better is that sleep quality tends to improve even more with subsequent treatments.

Benefits of Quality Sleep

People aren’t commonly educated about the benefits and importance of quality sleep. Sleep can have a major impact on your health and overall quality of life as it is instrumental in maintaining a healthy immune system. During our deepest periods of sleep, our body is repaired and rejuvenated. Getting a consistent good night’s rest can lead to a decrease in depression and anxiety, reduction of chronic inflammation, and lower stress levels as well as lowering the risk for heart disease and other illnesses.

Side Effects of Poor Sleep

When you don’t get enough sleep, your body can struggle beyond just being a little drowsy or cranky the following day. Some consequences of chronic sleep deprivation may include:

• Weight gain
• Memory problems
• Poor motor control
• Difficulty focusing
• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Weakened immune system
• Mood swings
• Accelerated aging

We Are Here For You

Sleep issues are rarely an independent occurrence. Though chiropractors are not sleep experts, chiropractors can correct any misalignments that may be keeping you awake at night while restoring proper nerve function throughout the body to reduce any tension or restlessness. Not only can they diagnose and treat any misalignments, but chiropractors can also offer lifestyle recommendations to help you improve your quality of sleep.

How can you improve your quality of sleep tonight? Here are some suggestions to help you get a better night’s rest tonight:

Sleep Position

Many people don’t realize that how you fall asleep and what positions you might find yourself in during the night can affect your quality of sleep. Certain positions can put pressure and strain on parts of your body making you feel restless at night and stiff in the morning. Sleeping on your back or side can help you maintain proper spinal alignment during sleep. Remember to keep your neck and spine aligned with the right number of pillows. Adding pillows between your legs or under the small of your back can also help to reduce stress on the spine while you sleep.

Check Your Mattress

If you have a stiff mattress or one that is too soft, you may have some sleepless nights. Softer mattresses can sag and allow the spine to shift creating strain, while a firm mattress can make your body ache with pressure applied to your joints. Search for mattresses, mattress toppers, and pillows that will support your body. Good pillows should keep your head and neck in place while sleeping.

Relax Before Bed

Avoid all electronic devices at least one hour before going to bed. Instead spend the hour winding down with mediation, reading a book, or listening to soft music. Even though exercising regularly is beneficial to helping you sleep better, do not exercise before bed as it will raise your heart rate and make it difficult for you to fall asleep. Restrain from consuming any caffeine or eating a large meal before going to bed.

Create a Restful Environment

Darken the room with blackout curtains or blinds and remove any night lights that may keep you from falling asleep. Close your door and use a white noise machine to reduce any distractions that may keep your mind awake as you try to wind down. Lowering the temperature can also help to provide you with restful slumber.

Make a Schedule

Adults should get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Make a sleep schedule and stick to it. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day can help your body establish a routine and help you function at your best.

Regular chiropractic care can resolve several problems that may be preventing you from getting the sleep you need. For more information on how chiropractic care can improve your quality of sleep, contact Tuck Chiropractic today.