Many of our patients report having problems with their sleeping, so in this post I will share my 3 Best Sleeping Tips from a Chiropractor’s perspective.
There are a lot of tips out there on getting a good night’s sleep, which can all be beneficial, but I find that the following sleeping tips are often overlooked.
1. Determining Why You are Not Sleeping Well.
Ok, so this sounds fairly obvious, but you would be surprised how many people know they don’t sleep well, but haven’t actually given any thought as to why they aren’t sleeping. So, the first step in getting a better night’s sleep is determining what’s keeping you from sleeping.
Is it because you are stressed, are there noises/lights/external events that are keeping you awake?
For a lot of our new patients it’s because they have pain. Pain that prevents them from falling asleep or wakes them up from sleep. These are the kind of patients whose sleep patterns usually improve dramatically after starting Chiropractic Care. Once we have assessed them and determined what’s causing their pain, we can put them on a plan to fix it. Once their pain subsides, they often notice their sleep improves.
A lot of our patients also notice that their sleep patterns improve after a Chiropractic adjustment, due to the relaxing effect that an adjustment can have.
2. Choosing a Good Mattress.
Again, this might seem obvious, but people often overlook their mattress. A good mattress is essential in getting a good night’s sleep. It is possible that a mattress that is too soft, of low quality or does not offer enough support, will impact your sleeping patterns.
If your mattress is showing signs of wear or tear, or visibly sags, then it is probably time to invest in a new one. If you want to find out more about choosing the best bed for you then please click here and read our previous blog post. We can help you choose a bed that is ideal for you.
3. Choosing a Good Sleeping Position.
It’s easiest to fall asleep when your spine is in a neutral, well supported position. The positions that some people get into when they are trying to fall asleep is incredible. As a Chiropractor I always discourage sleeping on your stomach. This position places your neck in a twisted position, which can cause discomfort and affect your sleeping.
The best position to sleep in is either on your side or on your back, whichever you feel more comfortable and supported in.
A tip I often recommend is to have your partner look at the position you usually sleep in and determine if your spine looks neutral or twisted. If it looks twisted, then this can be improved, and usually quite simply. I will delve into this in more detail in an upcoming blog post.
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do if you want to heal well, have lots of energy and stay healthy. It is essential to maintaining a good quality of life.
Try these simple sleeping tips above if you are battling with getting a good night’s sleep. If you are battling with pain, need a new bed, or just need some advice on sleeping positions, then give us a call on 031 562 9180 or email us on reception@alignchiropractic.co.za
