Considering a sleep medication? Read this first..

Today's post is on sleep - one of the most underrated things we can do for our health on a daily basis. 

Have you been considering sleep medication? Or currently taking medications to sleep? Have you thought about Chiropractic care for sleep? 

Sleep problems are an increasingly common problem and it is estimated that 50 to 70 million Americans struggle with getting adequate sleep, difficulty with falling asleep and issues with overall sleep quality. 

As a healthcare provider I understand that sleep is one of the most important things a person can do for their health - both for the short-term and for the long-term. Just one bad night of sleep interferes with cognition and can cause brain fog, reduced attention, emotional dysregulation, and decreased executive function to name a few - this affects both children and adults! 

Now imagine what years or even decades of poor sleep does to the brain and body? Short answer: it causes neurological exhaustion leading to a multitude of other issues. 

So what’s the solution? - well going for a ‘fix it’ mentality could look like adding in medication for sleep. I would hesitate before adding in medication ---- A study published in the Lancet Regional Health journal shows that “the use of sleep medications in the U.S. worsens BOTH quantity and quality of life.” When referring to quality of life - a big factor was injuries and falls relating back to decreased cognitive function. Simply put, poor sleep increases the risk of injury in all age groups and especially for certain populations. 

As a chiropractor, we learn to go to the root of the problem - not just treat the symptom. When the brain is stuck in a survival state which we refer to as Sympathetic Dominant aka Fight or Flight - it means the brain and body get stuck in a stressed state, which makes good sleep nearly impossible. 

The opposite of the Sympathetic would be the Parasympathetic State aka Rest and Digest-  this is when the body is out of survival and the system is in healing, digesting, resting mode. 

We cannot be these two systems at the same time. 

A Nervous System that is sympathetic dominant, stressed out and dysregulated leads to difficulty with the basics: eating, sleeping and digestion. 

Stress disconnects the brain and body from functioning optimally, chiropractic care reconnects the brain and body. 

And when the brain and body are more connected, sleep naturally comes easier. 

If you or your child is struggling with sleep - let's dive deeper and see how we can help. Good restorative sleep is VITAL to long term health. 

Contact us Here!