Sleep Switch and Chiropractic. How to Effectively Help Sleep Disorders Naturally.

Harvard Sleep Switch and The Chiropractic Approach

1. Understand the Sleep Switch

The sleep switch is a mechanism in the brain that helps to regulate sleep. It’s located in the hypothalamus. It releases a hormone called melatonin, which helps to promote sleep. Harvard research has shown that disruptions to the sleep switch can lead to sleep disorders like insomnia.

2. Identify Common Sleep Disorders

There are many different types of sleep disorders, but some of the most common include:

• Insomnia, which is characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
• Sleep apnea, which is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep.
• Restless leg syndrome, which is characterized by an uncontrollable urge to move the legs during sleep.
• Narcolepsy, which is characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness.

3. Determine if Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is a natural approach to healthcare that focuses on the relationship between the body’s structure and its function. Chiropractors use adjustments and other techniques to restore alignment and function to the body. Research has shown that chiropractic care can help with sleep disorders.

4. Learn How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care can help with sleep disorders in a number of ways. Here are some examples:

• Chiropractic adjustments can help to reduce stress and tension in the body. This can improve the quality of sleep.
• Chiropractic adjustments can help to improve alignment in the spine and other parts of the body. This can improve the body’s ability to function properly, which can also improve sleep.
• Chiropractic care can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can also improve sleep.

5. Explore Other Natural Treatments

In addition to chiropractic care, there are other natural treatments that can help with sleep disorders. Here are some examples:

• Acupuncture: This ancient Chinese technique uses needles to stimulate certain points on the body. It can help to reduce stress and improve sleep.
• Massage: This technique involves the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues. It can help to reduce tension and promote relaxation.
• Yoga: This practice combines physical postures with breathing techniques and meditation. It can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

6. Make Lifestyle Changes

Making lifestyle changes can also help with sleep disorders. Here are some examples:

• Practice good sleep hygiene: This involves setting a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a peaceful sleep environment.
• Exercise regularly: Exercise can help to reduce stress and improve the quality of sleep.
• Manage stress: Stress can interfere with sleep. Techniques like deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation can help to reduce stress.

Finally, sleep disorders can be frustrating, but there are natural treatments available. Harvard research has shown that the sleep switch is essential for good health, and disruptions to this mechanism can lead to sleep disorders. Chiropractic care and other natural treatments can help to improve sleep. It’s important to identify the type of sleep disorder you have, and then work with a healthcare professional to develop a treatment plan that works best for you.

References:

1. Harvard Medical School. (2018). Sleep and Health. Retrieved from.
2. Keosaian, J. E., Lemaster, C. M., Dresner, D., & Godersky, M. E. (2017). Effectiveness of acupuncture for insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(5), 333-341.
3. Kutner, J. S., Smith, M. C., Corbin, L., & Hemphill, L. (2008). Massage therapy versus simple touch to improve pain and mood in patients with advanced cancer: A randomized trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 149(6), 369-379.
4. Harvard Health Publishing. (2015). Yoga for Sleep. Retrieved from.
5. National Sleep Foundation. (n.d.). What is Sleep Hygiene? Retrieved from.
6. National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). 5 Things You Should Know About Stress. Retrieved from.
7. Hawk, C., Schneider, M., Evans, M. W., Redwood, D., & Hawke, M. (2011). Consensus process to develop a best-practice document on the role of chiropractic care in health promotion, disease prevention, and wellness. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34(9), 557-563.