Sleep disorders can be as serious as a medical condition, and they are often treatable with chiropractic care. Sleep disorders are more than just "a bad dream" or being tired in the morning. They can be a sign of something more severe and require treatment.

It is estimated that around 50 million Americans suffer from some type of sleep disorder at least one night every week. While another 20 million have problems every night. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this makes sleep disorders the fourth leading cause of hospitalization in the United States.

While there are many different types of sleep disorders, including apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome, one that is becoming very common: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). OSA is a disorder that occurs when your throat muscles relax during sleep and block your airway. This prevents you from getting enough oxygen and makes you stop breathing for short periods – anywhere from 10-30 seconds. This cycle continues throughout the night until you finally wake up gasping for air.

What Causes Trouble Sleeping?

If you suffer from sleep disorders, you are not alone. Trouble sleeping is one of the most common sleep disorders. It is estimated that between 10 and 20 percent of the population experiences some form of problem with sleeping. Surveys show that between 40 and 70 million Americans have trouble sleeping. There are many reasons why people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, including stress, anxiety, depression, pain, hormonal imbalances, medications, and others.

If you have sleep problems, see your local chiropractor from Foundations Chiropractic & Well-necessities quickly. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective way to improve your sleep and help you feel better during the day.

Poor sleep can be caused by the following:

1) Poor quality of the pillows on your bed

2) An uncomfortable mattress

3) Stressful workdays.

4) A full schedule of activities to do during the day

5) Too much caffeine, alcohol, or any other stimulant before bedtime.

6) Irregular bedtimes. This can cause confusion between your body and mind as to when it needs to sleep. Your body will start to get sleepy at an inappropriate time if your bedtime changes frequently.

7) Over-exercising the day before going to bed. This can cause a spike in energy, making it difficult for you to relax and fall asleep easily.

8) Mental health problems, like anxiety and depression

9) Fibromyalgia

10) Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Treatment for sleep problems often begins with changes in lifestyle and behavior. Many patients find that making changes to their bedtime routines and exercise programs helps them get a better night's sleep. However, if these changes do not work or a person has a serious sleep disorder, they may need professional help. 

How Can Chiropractic Care Help?

Chiropractic is a natural, drug-free way to help you get a good night's sleep. With the correct adjustment, many people find they're able to ease their way into a deep and restful sleep, even after years of nightmares and poorly-rested nights.

Numerous studies have shown chiropractic care to be beneficial in children and adults with certain sleeping disorders. Here are some ways a chiropractor can help you out.

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (rest-and-digest) when under care.

The parasympathetic nervous system is the body's relaxation response. When this system is working optimally, the body is able to properly cool down, digest food, and perform all the necessary functions to maintain homeostasis or balance. Achieving balance can be quite challenging in today's world as stress levels are high, and many people do not get proper nutrition. Chiropractic care can improve this process by restoring normal nerve function and reducing associated muscle tension.

Activation of the body's immune system. 

The nervous system directly controls numerous body organs, including the liver, spleen, and lymphatic system. When muscles are held in prolonged contraction, stagnant lactic acid can accumulate in these organs instead of being released into the bloodstream, where it can be safely removed from the body. This slows down overall organ function and causes fatigue, a common problem for many seeking chiropractic care. Chiropractic adjustments restore proper nerve communication to these organs, releasing accumulated waste and toxins from their tissues and returning to normal function.

Help with pain problems.

Chronic back problems are one of the most common causes of sleep disruption and sleep disorders. When a person sleeps on their back and wakes up with lower back pain, it can signify that their spine is misaligned. The back muscles will naturally pull on the vertebra to stabilize the spine, which in turn may pull too much on nerves that control several parts of the body, including those in the legs, arms, and even the face. This can cause abnormal leg movements like kicking during sleep, known as "restless legs" syndrome, which often leads to insomnia.

Understanding Chiropractic Therapy

Chiropractic treatment is a hands-on therapy that employs spinal adjustments. It's designed to reduce pressure on your back and neck nerves. When you have this pressure relieved, blood and oxygen flow is improved, which can help treat sleeping disorders.

Who Should Consider Chiropractic Treatment?

Suppose you are having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. In that case, chiropractic treatment may be able to help you get more restful sleep. Many people find that chiropractic helps them fall asleep more quickly, stay asleep for an entire night, and wake up feeling better rested than ever before. For others who have been suffering from insomnia for years without any relief, chiropractic care may be able to provide significant improvement in their quality of life.

Takeaway

The relationship between chiropractic care and better sleep is well documented. Chiropractors are trained to recognize the connections between proper spinal alignment and good health. When your spine isn't aligned properly, it can affect your entire body. This includes your nervous system and your ability to both fall asleep and stay asleep. Chiropractic adjustments can help align the spine, which helps restore balance to your nervous system and improves your overall health. That can lead to a more comfortable rest for you.

Author's Bio: 

The doctors at Foundations Spine & Well-Necessities are a husband and wife team who are passionate about offering Holistic Healthcare to their community. They are committed to helping others, as they themselves were once helped.

Their mission is simple: Improve the lives of their community, one family at a time.