If you have ever had trouble sleeping, you may have relied on either prescription medications or over-the-counter antihistamines. While these medications can bring short-term relief against insomnia, they are not recommended for permanent use because these drugs can lead to side effects such as daytime sleepiness and dizziness. It is for this reason that you may want to consider a non-pharmaceutical approach such as chiropractic massage therapy. Here are some ways therapeutic massage can help induce restorative sleep so that you can face the day with more energy:
Endorphin Release
Massage is thought to promote the release of endorphins into the bloodstream. Also known as "feel good" hormones, endorphins can help promote restorative and deep sleep. They may also play an important role in the prevention of anxiety and depression.
People who suffer from anxiety and depression are often too "wound up" to enjoy a restful sleep, and because of this, experience daytime sleepiness, which can further exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you are seeking ways to help you sleep but want to avoid the side effects that are often associated with medications, consider getting a massage at your chiropractor's office.
Pain Relief
If you are experiencing pain, you may be unable to sleep well at night. Your chiropractor can perform a therapeutic massage that will help relax your sore muscles, while helping to strengthen the surrounding structures of your neck and spine.
When you are pain-free, you will enjoy a better quality of sleep, and may be able to cut down on your pain medications. If you were involved in a motor vehicle accident or have a degenerative spinal disorder, do not consider massage treatments by a non-professional.
Your chiropractic physician is highly educated in anatomy and physiology, and knows how to safely perform massage therapy so he or she does not cause further injury or pain to the affected area. While a "one-time" massage session can significantly relieve your pain so that you can sleep better at night, regular sessions may be recommended for long-term insomnia relief.
If you suffer from insomnia or do not enjoy restorative sleep, make an appointment with a chiropractic office, like Progressive Chiropractic, to learn more about how massage therapy can help improve your sleep. Natural remedies such as massage and spinal manipulation can help to significantly relieve pain, prevent insomnia, enhance range-of-motion, and reduce anxiety, without the side effects or adverse reactions that are commonly associated with prescription medications.
