How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Improve Sleep Quality
How Chiropractic Adjustments Can Improve Sleep Quality
Sleep is a vital component of overall health and well-being. Yet, many individuals struggle with getting a good night’s rest. Various factors can disrupt sleep, ranging from stress and anxiety to physical pain and discomfort. Interestingly, chiropractic care has been shown to have a positive impact on sleep quality. Here’s how chiropractic adjustments can help you achieve better sleep.
Alleviating Pain and Discomfort
One of the primary reasons people visit chiropractors is to relieve pain, particularly in the back, neck, and joints. Pain is a significant disruptor of sleep; if you’re uncomfortable, falling and staying asleep can be challenging. Chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain by realigning the spine and joints, which can relieve pressure on nerves and reduce inflammation. There for promoting a better night’s sleep (Walker et al., 2011).
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common culprits behind insomnia and other sleep disorders. Chiropractic care is not only about physical adjustments but also about promoting overall wellness throughout the body. Regular chiropractic sessions can help lower cortisol levels, the body’s primary stress hormone. Reduced stress levels can lead to a more relaxed state, making it easier to fall asleep and enjoy deeper, more restorative sleep (National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health. n.d.)
Enhancing Nervous System Function
The nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating sleep. Misalignments in the spine, known as subluxations, can interfere with the nervous system’s ability to function optimally. Chiropractic adjustments aim to correct these misalignments and subluxations, thereby improving nervous system function. This can lead to better regulation of sleep-wake cycles and improved sleep quality. Rubinstein et al. (2011)
Promoting Relaxation
Chiropractic care can also promote relaxation by addressing muscle tension and improving circulation. When muscles are relaxed, and blood flow is enhanced, the body can enter a state of relaxation more easily. This state is conducive to falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer. Deyo et al. (2012)
Chiropractic adjustments offer a multifaceted approach to improving sleep quality by alleviating pain, reducing stress, enhancing nervous system function, and promoting relaxation. If you struggle with sleep issues, consulting a chiropractor might be a beneficial step towards achieving the restful sleep you need.
References
- Walker, B. F., French, S. D., Grant, W., & Green, S. (2011). Chiropractic care for patients with acute low back pain: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34(8), 540-556. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmpt.2011.09.004
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. (n.d.). Chiropractic: In depth. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic/introduction.htm
- Rubinstein, S. M., van Middelkoop, M., Assendelft, W. J. J., de Boer, M. R., & van Tulder, M. W. (2011). Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2011(2), CD008112. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD008112.pub2
- Deyo, R. A., Cherkin, D., & Loeser, J. D. (2012). Spinal manipulative therapy for acute low back pain. Annals of Internal Medicine, 156(7), 477-486. https://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-156-7-201204030-00006