Importance of Sleep

Your Health

Sleep is critical to good health and to the proper functioning of the body.  It’s the mind and body’s way of recharging for the next day’s activities.  Some people who have trouble sleeping take medication.  Some of them end up with unpleasant after effects in the morning.  Since doctors of chiropractic do not prescribe medicine, their approach to sleep problems is to encourage a lifestyle that promotes good sleep.  Here are some tips that the experts recommend.

• Regular exercise helps by burning energy during the day.  Exercise at night may actually stimulate to the point that it hinders sleep.
• Don’t eat just before going to bed.  Eat dinner early.  The process of digesting food can interfere with sleep.
• Try to do to bed at night and get up in the morning at the same time each day.  A regular pattern will help with sleep.
• Choose a good mattress and pillows.  The mattress should provide good support but not be rigid.  Special orthopedic pillows are available and you may benefit from one if you routinely wake up with shoulder, neck or upper back discomfort.

If these steps don’t help, talk with your chiropractor.  You may have a misalignment or other condition that the chiropractor can treat.