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Chiropractic Helps Improve Sleep & Insomnia

Written By Autera Health Center on December 13, 2017

If you are one of the 60 million Americans who suffer from insomnia, then the following will be good news for you. Studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments may help improve symptoms of insomnia and may led to a deeper more restful slumber. In a report conducted by Leonard Vernon, MD, DC and published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders, Dr. Vernon describes the relationship between brain chemistry and misalignments in the upper cervical spine and how they can contribute to sleep disturbances and chronic sleep issues.

In his report, Vernon elaborates on the theory that the brain produces hormones that help us sleep, and when the chemistry of the brain is disrupted by nerve impulses due to misaligned vertebrae, our brains don’t get the message to let our bodies rest. 

Pain Related Insomnia

For some patients insomnia and sleep disturbances can be caused by chronic pain. Unable to get comfortable or repeatedly awoken by pain flare-ups, their physical discomfort is directly related to their inability to sleep.  In these cases chiropractic care can have a direct impact on pain relief and thus promote a better sleeping environment.

Chiropractic adjustments can help promote relaxation as they also help reduce pain and discomfort. When the body is more relaxed it is more inclined to a restful state, which can contribute to a deeper sleep state.

Sleep Position May Improve Your Zzzzzs

While regular adjustments can help with pain relief and promote relaxation, your chiropractor can also suggest sleep positions that may reduce stress on your body. If you are a stomach sleeper you may be putting unwanted strain on the muscles of your neck, which can manifest problems in your cervical spine. A chiropractic pillow can help correctly align the spine for optimal sleep, just as a firmer mattress can reduce aches in the lumbar area.

 

If you are having problems with insomnia or don’t feel like you are sleeping fully, discuss your symptoms with your chiropractor. They may be able to help. In her book Insomniac, Gayle Green discusses how insomnia can wreak havoc on people’s lives. "Sleep is the fuel of life." Green says. "It's nourishing; it's restorative. And when you are deprived of it, you are really deprived of a basic kind of sustenance."

 


Posted In: Chiropractic