Have you ever found yourself counting sheep, watching the clock tick closer to your wake-up time, or twisting and turning in bed, all while desperately trying to fall asleep? If restless nights have become a regular part of your routine, you’re not alone. Sleep struggles affect many, and sometimes, the solutions aren’t as simple as counting minutes until morning.

Could chiropractic care be the answer to improving sleep quality? Here we explore how chiropractic treatments may help you rest better and why it is worth considering as part of your sleep solution.

Primary causes of poor sleep quality

Many factors contribute to poor sleep quality, including stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and underlying health conditions such as sleep apnea. Stress can trigger an overactive mind, while pain in the back and neck can make it difficult to find a comfortable sleeping position.

When to consult a chiropractor for sleep issues

If sleep issues like insomnia or frequent awakenings persist, it may be time to explore chiropractic care. Here are some signs you may need a chiropractor:

  • Chronic neck or back pain that interferes with falling or staying asleep.
  • Frequent headaches or migraines that disrupt sleep.
  • Persistent muscle tension or stiffness, especially in the shoulders or neck.
  • Difficulty relaxing or winding down before bed.
  • Insomnia or trouble falling asleep despite a calm environment.
  • Waking up feeling unrested or not refreshed, even after a full night’s sleep.
  • Frequent waking during the night with difficulty getting back to sleep.
  • Stress or anxiety that contributes to sleep disturbances.
  • Sleep apnea symptoms, such as snoring or interrupted breathing during sleep.
  • Limited range of motion or discomfort when turning or adjusting in bed.

If any of these sound familiar, chiropractic care might be a solution worth considering.

Benefits of chiropractic for sleep

The benefits associated with chiropractic care concerning sleep include:

  1. Pain reduction: Chronic pain, especially in the back and neck, can hinder sleep. Chiropractic adjustments may alleviate such pain, promoting more restful sleep. The National Institutes of Health supports that musculoskeletal treatments
  2. Stress relief: Chiropractic treatments can have a calming effect on the nervous system, reducing stress levels that often contribute to sleep disturbances. According to a study from the Mayo Clinic, chiropractic care can reduce stress by lowering the body’s production of cortisol, the stress hormone.
  3. Promoting relaxation: Chiropractic adjustments can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping your body relax and making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
  4. Enhanced nervous system function: Proper spinal alignment supports optimal nervous system performance, which is crucial for regulating sleep cycles. The American Chiropractic Association notes that spinal health is key to overall nervous system function.

Chiropractic care for sleep apnea

Sleep apnea, a condition marked by interruptions in breathing during sleep, can be influenced by spinal alignment and muscle function. Chiropractic care may help by addressing these underlying factors to improve sleep. Here’s how:

  • Spinal adjustments: Correcting misalignments has been shown to improve airway function. ApneaMed has discovered the role of chiropractic in improving sleep apnea symptoms by adjusting the spine.
  • Soft tissue mobilization: Improving neck and throat muscle mobility reduces neck muscle tension and related sleep apnea symptoms.

Although chiropractic care isn’t a primary treatment for sleep apnea, it can complement traditional treatments for better results.

What to do after a chiropractic adjustment

After your chiropractic treatment, here are some tips to maximize the benefits for your sleep:

  • Adequate rest: Ensure you get sufficient sleep to support the body’s healing process. 
  • Adjust sleeping position: The Mayo Clinic suggests that optimal sleeping positions to reduce back pain can play a role in getting better sleep. 
  • Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush toxins released during the adjustment.
  • Open communication: Discuss any unusual or persistent symptoms with your chiropractor so he or she can adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Sleep after chiropractor visits

Many patients report improved sleep following chiropractic sessions. Some common outcomes include:

  • Immediate Relief: Many individuals feel lighter and experience deeper breaths following an adjustment, contributing to a relaxed state that promotes sleep.
  • Improved Sleep Patterns: With continued chiropractic care, many patients notice better sleep quality, falling asleep faster and experiencing deeper rest.

How Dr. Andrea can help improve your sleep

If sleep issues have persisted despite your efforts, Dr. Andrea, a graduate of Cleveland Chiropractic College and a trusted chiropractor in Tulsa, Oklahoma, can help restore balance and improve your sleep. With advanced chiropractic techniques and a personalized treatment plan, Dr. Andrea addresses the root causes of sleep disturbances to help you achieve the restful sleep you deserve.

Discover how chiropractic care for overall health can help improve your sleep quality.  Book a consultation today.