Just like eating whole, nutrient-dense foods and exercising daily can help boost our well-being, getting good nightly sleep is essential for maintaining optimal health; however, millions of people struggle to get the restorative sleep their bodies need. As a chiropractor, Dr. Dunn frequently encounters patients whose sleep issues are tied to physical discomfort, stress, and misalignment in their bodies.
“The most common sleep problem I treat is people who just aren’t getting a good night’s sleep. It’s more about sleep quality rather than quantity.”
-Dr. Dunn
The Connection Between Spine Health and Sleep Quality
A healthy spine is crucial for overall well-being, including your sleep. When your spine is out of alignment, it can cause discomfort and pain and even affect your nervous system, leading to poor sleep quality.
The Role of Cortisol in Sleep Disruption
When your body is in pain or under stress, it produces cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with sleep by keeping you in a state of alertness. Dr. Dunn explained, “If your body’s under stress, even from unnoticeable or slightly annoying pain, it can mess with your sleep.” This stress response creates a vicious cycle: poor sleep leads to higher cortisol levels, making it even harder to sleep, perpetuating the problem.
Chiropractic care can help reduce pain and stress, lowering cortisol levels and promoting a more relaxed state conducive to sleep. As Dr. Dunn said, “By getting adjusted, we can take care of the underlying problems, so your body can relax more and you’re not uncomfortable when you go to bed.”
Customizing Your Sleep Environment
In addition to spinal adjustments, Dr. Dunn also discusses the importance of a supportive sleep environment, including the right mattress and pillow. He recommends pillows that maintain proper spinal alignment, such as the Chiroflow water-based pillow, which can be adjusted to suit individual needs.
Dr. Dunn also suggests finding mattresses that match your body’s needs, emphasizing that what works for one person may not work for another. “Different people have different shapes and sizes, and our bodies change over time,” Dr. Dunn noted, “so finding a mattress that works for you is key.”
Avoid Sleeping on Your Stomach
While many people find sleeping on their stomachs comfortable, Dr. Dunn warns against it due to the stress it places on the spine. “You’re twisting your neck to keep breathing, and if you get your head twisted over to one side, you’re putting your neck into an incredible bind,” he explained.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
If you’re considering chiropractic care to help with sleep issues, you might wonder what to expect during your first visit. Dr. Dunn encourages patients to share any relevant information, such as sleep studies or records of sleep quality, but he assures that “more information is always better, but I don’t typically ask patients to bring in a lot of data upfront.”
During your initial consultation, Dr. Dunn will assess your overall health and spinal alignment, discuss your sleep habits, and develop a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs.
Ready to Sleep Better?
If you’re tired of tossing and turning, chiropractic care could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Contact Dunn Chiropractic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better sleep and improved health.