A Special Sleep and Insomnia Report from Aventura Wellness & Rehab Center
Getting a good night’s rest is an important part of maintaining optimal health. For people both young and old, losing out on sleep can affect how we relate and function in the world around us.
There’s a lot you can do before relying on an over-the-counter sleep aid!
What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or remain asleep for a sufficient amount of time. This may come in a couple of different forms:
• Trouble falling asleep upon going to bed
• Waking up repeatedly throughout the night
• Waking up too early in the morning
• Waking up feeling tired instead of refreshed
Drowsiness or fatigue during the day, problems concentrating, low energy and irritability are all problems associated with not getting enough sleep. Concerns can be physical as well, as in cases of poor posture or dark “bags” under the eyes.
About 10% of us experience chronic sleep difficulties. Unfortunately, the number of people using prescription drugs to treat insomnia has increased, while the true causes for insomnia are left unaddressed.
Several Causes
The cause of insomnia varies. For some, lack of sleep may be a sign of grief, unhappiness, depression or other emotional concern. For others, anxiety or worries get in the way of adequate rest. Excessive amounts of food, alcohol or caffeine before bed can make falling asleep and staying asleep more challenging.
Another commonly overlooked problem is exposure to light. The body’s biological clock, which regulates our sleep-wake cycles, is strongly affected by light.
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain, affects both our desire to sleep and the quality of our sleep. Darkness enhances melatonin production, while light inhibits it. Therefore, shift workers and many elderly people who don’t get enough exposure to direct sunlight, can suffer similar types of insomnia.
Because light can disturb the normal production of melatonin, interfering with your ability to get a good night’s sleep, make sure your bedroom is completely dark. Use light–blocking shades, lined curtains or even an eye mask to block out all light. Even a night light or the lighted dial of a clock radio can affect your sleep by altering the production of melatonin.
Chiropractic as a Sleep Aid?
In our office, many of patients report vastly improved sleep patterns after beginning regular chiropractic care. The act of removing interferences in the nervous system facilitates the natural processes of the body, including sleep. You could be one of many who start getting a full night’s rest and enjoy feeling refreshed in the morning after scheduling an appointment with Dr. Greaux.
What Else Can I Do?
A number of home remedies to treat sleep difficulty can also be implemented. Try some of these methods to keep your body and mind healthy, happy and relaxed:
• Read, listen to music, write in a journal or take a warm bath
• Avoid evening use of alcohol, food, caffeine or smoking
• Exercise regularly (try taking a short walk after dinner)
• Avoid upsetting situations before bedtime
• Reduce your exposure to the news on television
The Last Resort
Sleep problems are not the result of a sleeping pill shortage! While convenient (and potentially addictive), drugs merely mask the real problem. And while you may sleep, the quality of your sleep from a drug-induced stupor is hardly the rejuvenation you need!
But you knew that. That’s why you’re visiting our site. Please look around and see what’s possible when you have a better working nervous system by utilizing today’s chiropractic care. Give our office a call!
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