We’ve all experienced what happens when we go just one night without enough sleep: fatigue, headaches, emotional volatility, and more. It’s no secret that an inadequate amount of sleep can wreak havoc on several areas of our lives. A lack of sleep can take a toll on your mental and emotional health, as well as your physical health. Not getting enough sleep can be hard after just one night, but a chronic lack of sleep can lead to long-term health consequences as well. And sadly, many of us are not getting the sleep our bodies need. If you are one of the many people this applies to, you may be surprised to learn that visiting a Bentonville chiropractor may improve your sleep quality. Visiting Dr. Tom Niemela and the staff at Arbor Vitae Chiropractic can help prioritize your health in the midst of your busy life.
Why Do We Need Sleep?
Sleeping gives our bodies a chance to rest. A lowered heart rate, improved blood pressure, and healthier breathing pattern allow us to conserve energy and refuel for the next day. While our body is at rest, our brain is doing work to refresh physical and mental functionality. This can be especially important for children, whose brains are developing and growing substantially on a daily basis. Without this rest, natural processes are interrupted and the body loses its ability to regulate and heal where needed. The recommended amount of sleep for an adult is 7 to 9 hours per night, but this can vary depending on age and health factors. Falling short on getting your necessary sleep over time can cause noticeable consequences to your health. If you are experiencing a pattern of poor sleep, seeking help may be important in helping your body repair itself each night.
Consequences of Not Sleeping
Besides just causing you to be tired and irritable, there can be very real health issues brought about by a lack of sleep. Because your body can’t heal as necessary, not getting enough sleep can cause poor function in your immune system and leave you susceptible to illnesses. Not sleeping can also lead to poor memory and focus or even more severe issues like anxiety or depression. Chronic health problems can arise after prolonged periods of not sleeping, such as diabetes and heart disease. While some people simply lack time to sleep, others may suffer from insomnia and similar syndromes that make falling and staying asleep difficult. Whatever issues you are facing, it has been proven that chiropractic care can improve sleep patterns.
Chiropractic Care for Sleep Issues
Regular chiropractic care can help with a long list of health issues, and sleep can similarly improve your overall health. Case studies show a link between chiropractic care and improved sleep patterns. In one case, regular visits to the chiropractor helped a five-year-old boy return to healthy sleeping habits.
If you think you can benefit from improved sleep but need a little help achieving that, contact Dr. Tom Niemela at Arbor Vitae Chiropractic today and begin working towards better sleep and optimal health.
Sources
Cawthra, L. “Chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with sleep disturbance and challenging behaviour: an evidence-based case report.” http://rcc-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cawthra-L_Case-report_0315.pdf.
Kingston, J., Raggio, C., Spencer, K., Stalaker, K., & Tuchin, P. J. “A review of the literature on chiropractic and insomnia.” Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, 2010; 9(3): 121–126. http://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcm.2010.03.003