Are you constantly tossing and turning, unable to fall asleep no matter how hard you try? Do you always feel exhausted during the day due to a lack of restful sleep at night? If so, let’s consider osteopathy as an alternative way of sleeping better.
Osteopathy can be a great solution to improve your sleep. It is an effective and natural approach that helps to restore balance in the body and mind. Osteopathic treatments can help you to relax, reduce stress and tension, improve circulation and create a better sleeping pattern.
Osteopathic treatments have been proven successful in treating sleeplessness for many people, helping them finally get the quality sleep they need.
Common causes of sleep disorders
Insomnia and other sleep disorders are linked to the central nervous system. Insomnia can be caused by trauma, stress, anxiety, or circulatory problems.
Another issue that can disrupt your sleep is physical pain. Because the nervous system causes pain, it can cause irritability and increase pain signals. The more severe the pain, the more challenging it is for the body to read sleep signals accurately.
The nervous system is made up of two parts: the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. These two systems manage the entire body’s unconscious activities, such as respiration, heartbeat, circulation, digestion, and all bodily functions without conscious will.
The spine is directly connected to the central nervous system via its peripheral nerves. A vertebral misalignment can disrupt the nervous system to the point of causing insomnia.
The consequences of chronic sleep deprivation
Chronic sleep deprivation can have severe consequences for your health and well-being. It can lead to fatigue, irritability, depression, anxiety, a weakened immune system, increased risk of heart disease and stroke, weight gain, headaches, musculoskeletal pain, and even an increased risk of death.
Long-term sleep deprivation can also affect your cognitive abilities, such as memory, concentration and decision-making.
In addition to these physical effects, chronic sleep deprivation can negatively impact your relationships and work performance.
How does osteopathy improve your sleep?
One osteopathic approach is to restore the proper functioning of the vagus nerve or the X cranial nerve, which is in charge of both physical and mental well-being.
Osteopathy can also help to restore balance to the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems. A healthy central nervous system allows the body to rest, improves functionality, decreases overall tension, and promotes deeper sleep.
Cranial osteopathy can also help you sleep better during stressful times. Stress, whether personal or professional, can cause fatigue, attention deficits, irritability, and anxiety.
When stressed for an extended period, the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems function similarly to a motor that is difficult to stop and eventually causes fatigue.
Even muscle tension sends mixed signals to the nervous system. Misinterpretation results in incorrect body responses. Disease results from ineffective communication in the body.
An osteopath can effectively address the source of insomnia using specialised techniques in soft tissue and biodynamic fluid body. Specific techniques for manipulating the cranium and sacrum axis can significantly improve spine mobility.
Osteopathic sessions can naturally and safely remove blockages and restrictions throughout the body, allowing for better sleep and more energy and alertness during the day. If necessary, your osteopath will suggest additional therapeutic interventions such as meditation, yoga, and exercise, which can also help with insomnia.
Advice for sleeping better at night
Here are a few things you can do to increase your sleep quality at night.
- Avoid taking naps during the day.
- Before bed, avoid caffeine, alcohol, and large meals.
- Keep your bed for sleeping – avoid using technology in bed.
- Invest in good pillows for support – whether it’s a pillow that provides head and neck support, a pillow between your knees to help your lower back, or cuddling a pillow to relieve your shoulder pain, there are many ways to support your body, especially if you’re in pain.
- Make sure the room has an appropriate temperature and lighting.
- Before going to bed, try a hot bath, guided meditation, or deep breathing.
Final thoughts on sleeping better with osteopathy
Not getting enough sleep can seriously affect your health. As well as impacting concentration and mood, lack of sleep has been linked to various conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and even premature death.
Osteopathy is a safe and natural way to improve sleep quality. It can help to reduce physical pain, restore balance in the nervous system and eliminate blockages in the body.
Osteopathic treatments are tailored to each individual’s needs and can be combined with other therapies such as meditation, yoga, breathwork and exercise for maximum benefit. Regular osteopathic treatment allows you to enjoy a better night’s sleep and improved overall well-being.
