How’s your sleep been lately? Is it the kind where you melt into bed and wake up feeling like you’ve had the most refreshing sleep of your life? Or is it more like you toss and turn, stare at the ceiling, and then struggle to drag yourself out of bed in the morning?
If you’re having trouble sleeping, you’re not alone. An estimated 50-70 million people in the U.S. suffer from sleep disorders, according to the American Sleep Apnea Association.
The effects of poor sleep on our quality of life are significant: missed work, medications (both prescription and over-the-counter), reduced productivity, and increased risk of accidents—all of which can also take a toll on emotional well-being.
What Causes Sleep Problems?
While it may seem like sleep difficulties are a recent phenomenon—caused by modern stress, hectic schedules, and artificial lighting—the reality is that sleep challenges have been documented since ancient times. Even early Greek and Roman writings mentioned sleep issues. In fact, researchers have observed signs of poor sleep in fish and insects under stress.
Is poor sleep common? Absolutely. But is it something we have to accept? Not necessarily.
Sleep problems can arise from a mix of lifestyle factors and underlying medical conditions, and in many cases, these factors reinforce one another. For example, chronic pain can lead to anxiety, which in turn disrupts sleep, creating a vicious cycle that can worsen over time. If left unchecked, poor sleep can increase the risk of serious health issues like heart disease (which, unfortunately, can compromise sleep quality even further).
What Can You Do About Sleep Problems?
If you’re dealing with persistent sleep issues, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to improve your sleep that don’t require medication or expensive equipment:
- Optimize Your Sleep Environment: Make your bedroom dark and quiet. Choose a comfortable bed and supportive pillows.
- Create a Regular Sleep Routine: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Incorporate relaxing activities before bed, such as reading, taking a warm bath, or listening to calming music. Avoid using electronic devices at least an hour before bed to reduce exposure to blue light.
- Mind Your Diet and Habits: Limit caffeine and alcohol, and avoid heavy meals late in the evening. Regular daytime exercise can also help—just avoid vigorous exercise too close to bedtime.
- Try Natural Remedies: Drinking a warm glass of milk or herbal tea, or using a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow, may help promote relaxation.
- Be Cautious with Over-the-Counter Sleep Medications: Extended use of OTC sleep aids or alcohol can be habit-forming and lead to other health problems.
Can Chiropractic Care Help You Enjoy Better Sleep?
Yes, chiropractic care can play a significant role in improving sleep quality. Misalignments in the spine, nerve interference, and muscle tension are common culprits that may contribute to sleep disturbances. Here’s how chiropractic care can support better sleep:
1. Spinal Misalignments and Sleep Issues
The spine is the foundation of our nervous system, and any misalignment can disrupt communication between the brain and the rest of the body.
- Symptoms: Muscle tension, pain, and disruptions in sleep regulation.
- Approach: Chiropractic adjustments realign the spine, relieving pressure on the nervous system, promoting relaxation, and improving overall body function—leading to better sleep.
2. Reducing Pain and Discomfort
Conditions like sciatica, back pain, and neck pain are some of the most common reasons for poor sleep.
- Symptoms: Difficulty finding a comfortable sleep position, or waking up with pain or stiffness.
- Approach: Chiropractic care targets the root cause of the pain, providing spinal adjustments to relieve pressure on nerves and ease muscle tension. By addressing the underlying issues, chiropractic care can help reduce pain and improve sleep quality.
3. Relieving Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are major contributors to sleep disturbances.
- Symptoms: A heightened fight-or-flight response triggers the release of cortisol, a stress hormone, which makes it difficult to relax.
- Approach: Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce tension in the shoulders, neck, and back, lower stress levels, and encourage the production of serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone). Regular chiropractic treatments can help improve both the quality and duration of sleep, especially for those dealing with stress-induced insomnia.
4. Improving Circulation
Proper blood flow is essential for restorative sleep.
- Symptoms: Misalignments in the spine can restrict circulation, leading to discomfort or poor oxygen delivery to muscles and organs.
- Approach: Chiropractic adjustments help restore proper alignment, promoting better circulation and ensuring your body receives the oxygen and nutrients it needs for deep, restful sleep.
5. A Drug-Free Approach to Sleep Issues
Many people dealing with chronic sleep problems resort to over-the-counter sleep medications. However, these can be a temporary fix at best.
- Symptoms: OTC medications often mask the symptoms of sleep problems without addressing the underlying causes. They can also lead to dependency and rebound effects when stopped, along with side effects like daytime drowsiness and cognitive impairment.
- Approach: Chiropractic care offers a holistic, drug-free option to address the root causes of sleep issues—whether spinal misalignments, pain, or stress—so you can experience better, more natural sleep without relying on medication.
How to Incorporate Chiropractic Care Into Your Sleep Routine
If you’re struggling with sleep, consider visiting the chiropractic office of Dr. Jeffrey Meyers, DC, in Omaha. He can offer natural, holistic strategies to help you enjoy better quality sleep.
During your consultation, Dr. Meyers will assess your posture, spinal health, and any areas of pain or tension. From there, he may recommend treatments like spinal adjustments, stretching exercises, and lifestyle adjustments to support better sleep.
Don’t let sleep disruptions take a toll on your health. Take the first step toward restful, restorative sleep today by contacting Dr. Meyers’ Omaha chiropractic office.