Tips to get the sleep you need for mental and physical health
You spend nearly one-third of your life sleeping. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can really start to negatively affect your life. Research has shown that a lack of proper sleep can result in irritability, increased stress, a weakened immune system, and even joint pains. Chronic sleep issues can lead to depression, insomnia, and make you hypersensitive to pain.
Sleep is essential to healing the body and mind because your body can accelerate the healing process when adequately rested.
Start tonight cultivating a few healthy habits, and you’ll be able to ensure that your brain and body get the rest they deserve.
Turn off electronics
Practicing a relaxing nighttime ritual, such as powering down your electronics and reading a book, can help prepare your body for a good night's sleep. There’s plenty of research showing screens disturb your body's natural circadian rhythms. Background noise like music and television also adversely affects sleep. Minimizing background noise will help your brain get more rest.
Sleep positions
If you have ever woken up with a “crick” in your neck, you know how taxing an awkward sleeping position can be on your spine. Maintaining a neutral position and keeping your spine in alignment overnight is an essential part of waking up energized and ready to conquer the day.
Research shows that dozing on your back or side has the most benefit for comfort and reduces occurrences of snoring, reflux, or apnea that disrupt restorative sleep.
One of the best positions for spinal alignment is on your side with your head supported, shoulders centered, and a pillow between your legs. This reduces the pressure on your neck, low back, hips, and legs – all of which lead to a more restful night of sleep.
If you don’t suffer from snoring or sleep apnea, lying on your back is a great option. Take a look and make sure your nose and belly button are in alignment. If they are, it’s a good sign your spine is in both an optimal and comfortable sleep posture. Try placing a pillow under your knees for even more relief.
Get an adjustment
We hear from countless patients that they get a better night’s sleep after getting adjusted.
Chiropractic care has been shown to increase your spinal range of motion, decrease inflammation, and even reduce the pressure on the delicate nerves exiting your spinal column – all of which will make it much easier to find a comfortable sleep position.
Chiropractic care can also help with other sleep inhibitors like stress and acid reflux.
We have an upcoming FREE workshop where we'll be discussing the causes of many sleep issues and the action steps you can take to FINALLY get a great night of sleep!