Why Sleep Is Important

Did you know that there are 50-70 million adults in the U.S. that suffer from some kind of sleep disorder? Adults typically need 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Can you confidently say this is how much sleep you get? 

We see many patients here at Dr. Gena Chiropractic, a family chiropractic practice in Plantation, who report having problems with sleeping at night. Getting an adequate amount of sleep is incredibly important for our physical and mental health, our productivity level on a daily basis, and our overall well-being. 

Sleep has a hand in influencing how our nervous system functions. Too little sleep and we could be met with things like impaired memory, decreased physical and mental performance, and mood swings, among other conditions and ailments. Sleep is also associated with growth. According to the American Sleep Association: many of the body’s cells also show increased production and reduced breakdown of proteins during deep sleep. Since proteins are the building blocks needed for cell growth and for repair of damage from factors like stress and ultraviolet rays, deep sleep may truly be “beauty sleep.”

We all could use some beauty sleep, right?!

If you find yourself having trouble falling asleep at night or staying asleep through the night, family chiropractor, Dr. Gena, recommends these remedies.

Chiropractic Care for Sleep Problems

Chiropractic care can help to activate the parasympathetic part of the nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that keeps our bodies functioning normally. It’s sometimes also referred to as the “feed and breed” or “rest and digest” side of the nervous system, as opposed to the sympathetic part which is the “fight or flight” side. 

Healthy Living Tips To Help with Sleeping

Sometimes the answer to your sleep problems is as easy as making changes to your everyday routine. 

Avoid caffeine and blue-light exposure from your computer and/or cell phone as it gets close to bedtime. Put down your phone, close your laptop, and turn off the television at least an hour before bedtime and instead, use that time to connect with yourself. This could mean reading a book, listening to calming music or a podcast, sipping a mug of chamomile tea, relaxing in an Epsom salt bath, or participating in deep breath work or meditation. 

Where you sleep makes a difference as well. You should not feel any tension, anxiety, or stress when you step into your bedroom. Create an environment that is cool, dark and quiet, a place that is conducive to getting a good night’s sleep. 

As a bonus, try diffusing some lavender essential oils in the evening hours.

Supplements for Sleep

In addition to making these small, but effective, changes to your lifestyle, there are a few choice supplements that are also helpful for sleep.

Magnesium has a lot of health benefits, one of them being that it too, like chiropractic care, activates the parasympathetic part of the nervous system. It calms and relaxes us, and aids in the regulation of our sleep cycle. We recommend these Magnesium capsules.

Valerian root is an herbal supplement that has long been used as an alternative medicine for treating anxiety, stress, and sleep problems. It acts almost like a sedative on the brain and nervous system.

Melatonin is also called the sleep hormone. The production of this hormone in our body increases at night, helping to promote a healthy sleep pattern.  using external sources of it can help improve sleep conditions. Although it is naturally produced, external sources have been shown to improve sleep conditions. 

We highly recommend taking Insomnital as a sleep supplement. It has Valerian root, Melatonin and a blend of many other relaxing herbs to help you get your beauty rest.

Schedule An Appointment with Dr. Gena Today

Don’t allow sleep deprivation to be part of your life any longer. Now’s the time to take control of your well-being and find a healthy sleeping pattern that will ultimately help to improve your quality of life. Chiropractic adjustments can help activate your parasympathetic nervous system allowing you to catch some deeper and longer Zzzs.

Remember, your health is in your hands; our hands are here to help!

To schedule your appointment at Dr. Gena Chiropractic, your favorite family chiropractor in Plantation, call 954-417-5815.