If you’ve been struggling to sleep lately or have a lot going on in your mind and body that’s affecting sleep quality, you should look up “chiropractor near me best” online. Why, you ask? Because your sleep problems might stem from physical issues that chiropractic care can resolve.
What is restorative sleep?
It’s the kind of sleep where you wake up refreshed and feeling energized.
- Restorative sleep gives your body time to repair itself, for the brain to process memories, and for a good reset of your energy levels. If none of these happen while you sleep, then mental and physical health remain low.
- The opposite of restorative sleep is non-restorative sleep, which may be caused by various health conditions, including sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome.
- Failure to get enough restorative sleep can have a negative impact on your health both in the short term and long term. These include trouble with memory, concentration, and focus.
Strategies for Restorative Sleep Success
Lifestyle changes
Improving your health doesn’t have to be complicated. Subtle and consistent care can do wonders, which means developing the right habits will help improve your sleep quality.
- Be consistent in training your brain and body to sleep and wake up at exactly the same time each and every day. Creating this regular rhythm is crucial to having a consistent sleep routine.
- Find out if you have caffeine sensitivity and how it affects bedtime. It’s highly recommended that you avoid anything caffeinated 6 to 8 hours before going to bed.
- Spend at least 10 minutes in the morning for sunlight exposure. This can help set your wake-sleep cycle naturally and prepare your brain for sleep during bedtime.
Get yourself checked for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
It’s possible that you wake frequently at night because you have OSA. When you stop breathing because your airway is blocked, you wake up quickly to start breathing again or gasp for air.
- Some signs that you have OSA include waking up tired even when you slept eight hours or so, snoring, unusual daytime sleepiness, and mood changes.
- Have yourself tested at home or in a sleep lab before considering taking over-the-counter sleep aids. Medications that prevent you from waking up may be fatal to someone with OSA.
Avoid daytime naps
If you’re frequently taking naps, then you’re most likely not getting enough sleep at night.
- It’s okay to take naps, but not close to bedtime.
- If you feel tired, don’t nap. Use that tiredness to help you sleep at night.
- Make an effort to curb napping, even if you really want to. Remember that the main goal is to sleep at night, not during the day.
Address stress and worries
It’s hard to sleep when your mind is busy and constantly thinking about life’s many stressors. High levels of stress are not only bad for your sleep but also your overall well-being.
- Start journaling to help you calm your mind and organize your thoughts. Whatever you want to think about or remember the next day, write them down.
- Engage in a few coping strategies, such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
For a healthier mind and body, it’s important that you sleep restoratively, waking up totally refreshed, in a better mood, and with mental clarity. This can be impossible if you’re experiencing physical pain. If you suspect spinal misalignment as the cause, visit IR Chiro (Digital Distinct) for adjustments that can contribute to better sleep quality.