A Chiropractor's Guide to Better Sleep
By Brandi Swieter
Getting enough sleep each night is important to overall health. Poor sleep can lead to stress and bad habits. It can also make it easier for illness to set in. Following a chiropractor's guide to better sleep can ensure people get more rest than they're used to and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Start a Bedtime Ritual
One of the first recommendations is simply setting a bedtime. Just as parents give their children bedtimes, adults should set a time for themselves to head to sleep without other distractions getting in the way. Individuals tend to spend far too much time lying awake at night on their phones or watching TV. The light from these electronics can make it difficult to drift off to sleep. Putting the phones down an hour before bed, drawing a relaxing bath, and having a dark room with curtain-covered windows are all ways to help.
Stretch Before Bed
Sometimes it's difficult to fall asleep because the body is feeling stiff and store. Stretching before heading to bed can be a huge help in getting people to fall asleep and stay asleep. Some simple yoga poses may work best to help relax the mind and body.
The Sleeping Swan is one option. Start by sitting on the floor with a pillow out in front. Lean forward and bring one knee in as the other leg gets placed straight back. The head should reach the pillow with the arms extended to hug it. Breathe in slowly and deeply for a relaxing finish before moving back into starting position and switching to the other side.
Avoid Taking Naps
If a person is feeling incredibly tired during the daytime and must take a nap to rejuvenate their minds, then only a 30-minute nap is recommended. Otherwise, it is recommended that naps be avoided. Sleeping during the day can throw off the body's natural sleeping rhythm and make it much more difficult to fall asleep at night.
Get Regular Chiropractic Care
Regular care from the chiropractor can help to ease tension within the body and promote sleep. At the first treatment, the doctor of chiropractic will perform assessments to determine the best course of action. Some people may require more frequent visits than others. Either way, adjustments and the removal of spinal restrictions are worth it because it optimizes the ability of your body to perform.
Visit The Joint Chiropractic to have joint restrictions removed, tension eased, and seek additional advice for a better night's sleep. Walk in during the extended hours at one of the more than 425 locations available.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Round Rock, Tex.