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According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, an estimated 50 to 70 million people in the U.S. suffer from a sleep disorder. Additionally, about 30% of Americans report regularly getting less than the recommended amount of sleep for optimal health. Undoubtedly, having trouble sleeping is a common problem. And while poor sleep most obviously makes you feel tired, it also takes a toll on your mental and physical well-being in other ways.
Fixing your sleep issues might seem like an impossible task, but there are all-natural treatments that can help. One treatment for sleep disorders that might surprise you is chiropractic care.
It has been proven that a holistic approach to treating sleeping issues that includes chiropractic care can help improve your sleep quality. In this article, we’ll explore how skilled chiropractors can help you resolve your sleeping issues so you wake up feeling well-rested and energized.
The Relationship Between Chiropractic Care and Sleep
Generally, chiropractic care is considered for managing pain and releasing tension from joints and muscles. Not many people realized your chiropractor can help with many other issues, including sleep disturbances.
There exists a strong relationship between chiropractic care and sleep. The methods used by chiropractors, such as spinal adjustments, stretches, and massage therapy, improve the spine’s health and help correct any misalignments that might be causing discomfort that disturbs the sleep cycle.
What does this mean for healthy sleep habits? When there is less or no tension on your spine, you tend to feel more relaxed and can fall asleep faster and easier. Furthermore, along with correcting any misalignment, a holistic chiropractor focuses on improving overall health, including reducing pain, alleviating stress, changing eating habits, increasing movement, and more, which is important for better sleep.
Chiropractic care also enhances the efficiency of the central nervous system (CNS), which is a key player in the body’s functioning. The better the CNS performs, the less energy it’ll require, and the easier it’ll be to fall asleep.
Common Sleep Issues That Can Be Addressed With Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care can help improve your overall health by treating several sleep issues. Here’s a list of some sleep-related issues that your chiropractor can treat:
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep hygiene disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to fall back asleep. Various factors, like stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, caffeine intake, and certain medications, can lead to insomnia.
Chiropractic treatments for insomnia work by reducing pain and discomfort, lowering stress levels, and improving nervous system function. There are two types of insomnia that seeing a chiropractor might help with:
Short-term Insomnia Disorder
Short-term insomnia disorder describes fleeting symptoms of sleeplessness that can last 3–4 months. It is usually caused by stress and might lead to chronic conditions if not treated promptly.
Chronic Insomnia Disorder
Chronic insomnia disorder occurs when insomnia symptoms become more persistent and prevalent, such as happening more than three days a week or lasting for longer than three months. It may be caused by a variety of issues, including depression, chronic pain, or other conditions.
Sleep Apnea
Another common sleep disorder that affects a substantial population is sleep apnea. People with this disorder experience breathing-related issues that disturb sleep.
In its initial stages, sleep apnea might cause minor discomfort while resting. It can worsen causing fragmented sleep, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, and other health problems if not addressed. Sleep apnea has several contributors, such as obesity, nasal congestion, and spine-related issues.
Undergoing chiropractic care helps correct structural issues and misalignments in the spine, to improve respiratory function, which addresses the sleep disturbances causing poor sleep quality.
Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome (RLS), is a common sleep disorder specified by random sensations in the legs, such as tingling and crawling, that are relieved by movement. People with this type of sleep disorder find it difficult to get quality sleep as it disrupts the sleep cycle throughout the night.
According to health journals, RLS can be caused by poor blood flow in the leg, as well as iron deficiency, kidney disease, and some kinds of sleep medicine.
Chiropractic treatments, such as massage and spinal adjustments, can improve circulation in the affected area. They are a natural and effective way to treat restless leg syndrome. In addition, holistic chiropractic care focuses on the entire body; the chiropractor can make dietary recommendations to help eliminate iron deficiencies.
Narcolepsy
Sleep disorders like insomnia and RLS prevent you from getting sound sleep at night. Narcolepsy, on the other hand, is characterized by excessive and frequent daytime sleepiness. The sudden attacks of sleepiness during the daytime can lead to difficulty sleeping at night.
Narcolepsy isn’t very common, but researchers also say it remains undiagnosed in many individuals. The biggest known cause of narcolepsy is autoimmune disorders, which can be managed with chiropractic care.
Holistic chiropractors work on improving the effectiveness of your immune system, which naturally addresses autoimmune diseases.
Parasomnia
Parasomnia is a type of sleeping disorder that involves a person making abnormal movements, talking, expressing feelings, or doing unusual things as they fall asleep, wake up, or while they are sleeping. Parasomnias are divided into two types: ones that happen during rapid eye movement sleep and ones that happen during non-rapid eye movement sleep.
While parasomnias have several causes, stress and anxiety are often major contributors. Holistic chiropractic care in Oak Brook can help eliminate stress and reduce the chance of experiencing parasomnias, meaning you (and your partner) can sleep better.
Circadian Rhythm Disorders
Another known cause behind sleep issues is circadian rhythm disorders, which occur when the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle is disturbed. It can cause difficulty falling asleep and waking up at the desired times and can disrupt sleep throughout the night.
Circadian rhythm disorders are caused by factors such as shift work, jet lag, and certain medical conditions. When you see a chiropractor for this type of sleep disorder, they typically focus on alleviating stress from the body, which helps improve the sleep cycle.
Sleep disorders are common these days, and numerous factors or issues might affect your sleeping patterns. Chiropractic care can help address most of these disorders, as the natural treatment methods work on the core issue. Besides getting sound sleep, you can expect better overall health, as holistic chiropractors work on the entire mind and body.
Do you want to get relief from sleep disorders and finally get a good night’s sleep? Consult expert holistic chiropractors at Oak Brook Medical Group. Fill out the online booking form to schedule your appointment and bid goodbye to sleep disorders.
The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for People With Sleep Disorders
Chiropractic care can address the symptoms and causes of sleep disorders in order to improve sleep quality and quantity. Plus, holistic chiropractic care offers many more benefits, such as improved overall health.
Below are some amazing benefits you can expect after seeing a professional chiropractor in Oak Brook.
Improves Spinal Alignment
Apart from being painful, poor spinal alignment affects your sleep as well. The pressure and tension on the nerves in the tissues surrounding the spine can contribute to sleep disorders such as insomnia.
Chiropractors use manual manipulation techniques to realign the spine, which can improve nerve function and communication between the brain and the rest of the body. This, in turn, helps promote better sleep.
Enhances Circulation
Every organ, irrespective of its functionality in the body, needs proper blood circulation to work efficiently. If the circulation slows, it leads to several issues, including sleeping disorders. Treatments like massage therapies delivered by chiropractors are proven to restore circulation.
Better circulation means better oxygenation of tissues and organs, including the brain. Your body functions more efficiently while consuming less energy. Enhanced circulation can also help the body eliminate waste products and toxins that interfere with sleep.
Eliminates Digestive Issues
Many people experience sleep-related issues due to indigestion and heartburn at night. These common issues stem from the body’s digestive system and are caused by nerve irritation in the bowel and stomach.
In an improperly aligned body, the muscles in the intestines don’t receive the correct signals, resulting in improper digestion, which can make it difficult to get quality sleep.
Chiropractic care helps align the body to correct the signal process between the intestines and the brain so your digestive system functions as it should. When you have better digestion, you tend to fall asleep easier and have better sleep quality as well.
Reduces Pain and Discomfort
Chiropractic care primarily focuses on the areas more prone to pain and discomfort, including the neck and back. If pain and discomfort aren’t letting you sleep, having a few sessions with a chiropractor can improve the overall situation. You may be able to fall asleep more easily and experience fewer interruptions during the night.
Curtails Dependence on Medications
One of the biggest benefits of chiropractic care is its natural approach to pain management. When you choose this treatment, you don’t need to depend on any sleep-inducing or pain-reducing medications.
Studies have shown that pain medications like opioids can actually negatively affect sleep patterns. By visiting a chiropractor for natural pain management, you can gradually reduce your medication dependence. Holistic chiropractic care treats the root cause of any issues so you can expect long-lasting results and improved sleep quality.
Boosts Nerve Response
Holistic chiropractic care focuses on both the external and internal body. It can particularly address issues with the nervous system. The nervous system loses effectiveness when the spine and other essential body components are not properly aligned.
Ultimately, it can exacerbate sleep-related disorders like fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome. Regular adjustments from a chiropractor can effectively improve the communication between the brain and the body’s extremities through the nervous system.
Moreover, spinal adjustments and massage can help relieve pressure on the nerves, reducing pain and leading to a more restful sleep.
How Holistic Chiropractors Can Help Improve Sleep
The treatment and methods chiropractors use to improve sleep may vary depending on the core issues an individual is experiencing. The aim of these treatments is to find the source of the symptoms and cure it, rather than just fixing the symptoms.
Here are some common treatment methods chiropractors use to help improve sleep.
Thorough Assessment
There might be several contributors to sleep problems, such as stress, anxiety, pain, discomfort, and so on. For example, someone might have trouble sleeping due to pain in the neck from an injury, while someone else may have trouble sleeping due to pain in the leg brought on by a pinched nerve.
Chiropractors in Oak Brook begin any treatment process with a complete assessment of your body. The goal is to find the source of the issue, such as spinal misalignment or a pinched nerve. These professionals will do a thorough examination and will ask you questions to understand your medical history and current lifestyle to determine the true issues.
Once the assessment is done, chiropractors make an individualized treatment plan to address your specific needs in order to fix the sleep disorder.
Spinal Adjustments
The spine impacts many functions of the body, including sleep. When the spine is misaligned, it can create tension, pressure, and other uncomfortable sensations in the surrounding muscles and tissues. A misalignment might also lead to a pinched nerve that causes pain, numbness, and tingling. (Here’s how Oak Brook Medical Group treats pinched nerves). All of this can, in turn, make it difficult to get comfortable enough to fall asleep and stay in a deep sleep.
Chiropractors in Oak Brook use controlled force on your spine to realign the vertebrae and restore proper movement and function. By addressing these issues through spinal adjustments, these professionals can help reduce sleep disturbances and improve sleep quality.
Exercise and Stretching
Depending on the reason behind your sleep disorder and the symptoms you are experiencing, chiropractors may also recommend specific exercises and stretches to help improve flexibility, mobility, and strength.
Physical activity reduces the likelihood of muscle strains and other injuries that can impact sleep quality. For instance, a chiropractor may recommend stretching exercises to help alleviate tightness in the neck and shoulders, which could be contributing to headaches, discomfort, and ultimately, trouble sleeping. (Watch this video on our Headache Treatment for Fast Relief.)
Massage Therapy
In addition to spinal adjustments and stretching exercises, chiropractors may use various soft tissue therapy techniques to help reduce muscle tension and pain. These techniques can include massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. By targeting specific areas of tension and releasing knots and adhesions, chiropractic care can help reduce pain and discomfort that may be preventing you from getting a good night’s rest.
Chiropractors can also offer a combination of massage and physical therapy to improve your overall health, which increases the likelihood of falling asleep quickly and getting quality sleep.
Ergonomic Changes
If something is wrong with your sleeping posture or environment, expect a chiropractor to correct it. For example, they may recommend a firmer or softer mattress, a different pillow, or a new sleep position. These changes can help reduce pressure and tension on the spine and muscles, leading to a more comfortable and restful deep sleep.
Lifestyle Changes
Holistic chiropractic care is more than just making spinal adjustments. The board-certified doctors and their support team work on improving your overall well-being to fix sleep disorders and other issues.
Chiropractors may recommend natural sleep aids. These might include lifestyle changes like avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, establishing a regular sleep schedule, reducing light exposure from electronic devices before bedtime, and practicing relaxation techniques, and more.
Overall, holistic chiropractic care can do more than effectively address musculoskeletal issues impacting sleep quality. By combining spinal adjustments, soft tissue therapy, exercise and stretching, ergonomic changes, and lifestyle recommendations, chiropractors can help you achieve better sleep while addressing underlying factors.
Need chiropractic help to treat your sleeping disorders? Experienced holistic chiropractors at Oak Brook Medical Group are here for you! We will assess your condition and create a treatment plan that works for you.
Fill out the online form to book your appointment, or call us at 630-317-7478 for more information.
» More: 8 Advantages of a Holistic Chiropractor
When Can You Expect a Better Sleep After Receiving Chiropractic Care?
Have you had a few chiropractic sessions and are wondering when you will achieve sound sleep? The time it takes to experience better sleep after chiropractic care can vary depending on several factors. Everyone is unique and the reasons behind experiencing sleep disorders are vast, so there is no set timeline for seeing results.
Here are some of the factors that can impact the timeline for sleep improvement:
Severity of the Underlying Condition
One of the biggest factors that affects the timeline for improvement in sleep is the severity of the issue. For example, if a person has a herniated disc or severe spinal misalignment, it may take several sessions with the chiropractor over a period of weeks or months to see significant improvement. On the other hand, a person with neck pain from an injury might see results after a few visits.
Length of Time the Condition Has Been Present
If a musculoskeletal issue has been present for a long time, it may take longer to see improvement. This is because chronic issues can cause changes in the body that take time to reverse.
Chronic muscle tension, a major contributor to body pain, may lead to the development of trigger points, which can take time to release through soft tissue therapy. The earlier you see a chiropractor, the sooner you can get the results.
Individual’s Age and Overall Health
It may take more time to see improvements in individuals with underlying medical conditions. Age also plays a crucial role in the healing process. Younger patients can expect results quickly because of their greater ability to heal and recover.
Adherence to Treatment Recommendations
Another factor that affects the timeline of improvement is how well the individuals follow their chiropractor’s treatment recommendations. People that follow the recommended exercises and lifestyle changes religiously are more likely to see improvement in sleep quality than those who do not. Consistency and compliance with treatment are key factors in achieving optimal results.
» More: How Chiropractors Can Help With Natural Pain Management
How to Prepare for a Chiropractic Care Session for Sleep Disorders
The results you get also depend on how you prepare for the session. If you haven’t been to a chiropractor before, here are some tips:
Schedule an Initial Consultation
Before beginning chiropractic treatment, you must schedule an initial consultation with a chiropractor to discuss your sleep issues and other concerns. It gives you the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the chiropractic approach to treating sleep disorders.
Furthermore, it will allow the chiropractor to evaluate your specific condition, medical history, and lifestyle so they can develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Be Honest and Thorough in Your Medical History
During your initial consultation, you should provide your chiropractor with a detailed medical history, including any medications or supplements you take and any past injuries, surgeries, or conditions.
The chiropractor will need every detail to make a treatment plan that accommodates your needs. For example, if you had spine surgery, you should disclose it to the chiropractor before getting spinal adjustments or other therapies for the spine.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Comfortable clothing allows for ease of movement, which is extremely helpful during the initial consultation when the chiropractor assesses your condition and following visits when you will be moving your body.
Communicate Openly With Your Chiropractor
Throughout your chiropractic treatment, it’s important to communicate openly with your provider about any discomfort or pain you may be experiencing. It helps the chiropractor adjust the treatment plan and ensure you are comfortable and relaxed during the session.
Follow Your Chiropractor’s Recommendations
After your initial consultation, your chiropractor will likely provide specific recommendations for exercises, stretches, lifestyle changes, and other treatments that can help improve your sleep. It’s important to follow these recommendations consistently and to communicate with your chiropractor about any questions or concerns you may have.
Improve Your Sleep Quality and Build Healthy Sleep Habits with Oak Brook Medical Group
Your sleep habits impact your entire life, including your routine, mood, energy, and most importantly, overall health. You should not take any sleep problems lightly. Whether you are struggling with sleep apnea, want to treat insomnia, or simply don’t rest well, getting holistic chiropractic care can help.
Oak Brook Medical Group provides specialized chiropractic care using a holistic approach to improve your sleep and overall health. Our methods can do everything from treating insomnia to reducing stress. We start the treatment with a comprehensive assessment and consultation to determine the underlying issues and then develop a personalized treatment plan. Our caring team strives to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere to make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed while you are receiving chiropractic care that will lead to better sleep.
Contact us by calling 630-317-7478 or filling out the online form to book your appointment. We will help you get the sleep you need to feel your best every day!
