Yes, chiropractic adjustments can help you sleep better. According to the National Sleep Foundation, nearly one-third of people who have undergone a chiropractic adjustment say they experience an immediate improvement in sleep. This happens because adjustments reduce pain, lower stress hormones like cortisol, and help your body relax.

This article will show you exactly how chiropractic care can improve your sleep. You’ll learn about the science behind better sleep, specific sleep problems that chiropractic care can help with, and simple steps to get started.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Improve Sleep Quality

Your Spine and Sleep Connection

Your spine is like the control center for your whole body. When your spine is out of alignment, it can mess with your nervous system. This makes it harder for your body to relax and fall asleep.

Chiropractic adjustments can also help promote relaxation and reduce stress. When your chiropractor adjusts your spine, it helps your nervous system work better. This lets your body switch from “fight or flight” mode to “rest and digest” mode.

Reducing Pain That Keeps You Awake

Pain is one of the biggest reasons people can’t sleep well. According to the National Institutes of Health, chronic pain affects sleep quality and can lead to insomnia. When your back, neck, or shoulders hurt, it’s hard to get comfortable in bed.

Chiropractic adjustments help by:

• Taking pressure off pinched nerves
• Reducing muscle tension
• Improving blood flow to sore areas
• Helping your joints move better

Lowering Stress Hormones

Stress hormones like cortisol can keep you wide awake at night. The Cleveland Clinic explains that cortisol is your body’s main stress hormone, and when levels are too high in the evening, it can seriously disrupt your sleep. Every time you see your chiropractor, your body naturally lowers it’s cortisol level. High cortisol is like having caffeine in your system – it keeps you wired and alert.

The hypothalamus is vital for the proper regulation of body functions including temperature, sleep, thirst, and circadian rhythm. This is one theory why patients have reported better sleep quality after beginning chiropractic care.

Common Sleep Problems Chiropractic Care Can Help

Insomnia and Trouble Falling Asleep

Insomnia means you can’t fall asleep or stay asleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that getting enough quality sleep is essential for health, and between 10% and 30% of adults struggle with insomnia. If you’re lying in bed for hours trying to fall asleep, chiropractic care might help.

Chiropractic care can help improve sleep quality for people with insomnia by relieving pressure on the spine and nervous system. When your spine is aligned properly, your nervous system can send better signals to your brain about when it’s time to sleep.

Sleep Apnea Support

Sleep apnea is when you stop breathing for short periods during sleep. The National Sleep Foundation says that more than 22 million Americans are currently affected by sleep apnea. This condition can be serious and needs medical care.

Chiropractic care can help with sleep apnea by:

• Improving neck alignment to open airways
• Reducing inflammation in the throat area
• Helping with better breathing patterns

One study showed amazing results. After a course of care, there was a drop in his apnea-hypopnea index from 55.4 events per hour to 3.4 events per hour. This was with a combination of chiropractic care and other treatments.

Restless Sleep and Tossing and Turning

If you toss and turn all night, your spine might be the problem. When your neck is misaligned, it tends to tighten your jaw joint and masseter muscles, which will close down your airway while you lay down for bed.

Chiropractic care can help by making sure your spine is in the right position for comfortable sleep.

The Science Behind Better Sleep

Your Nervous System and Sleep

Your nervous system controls everything in your body, including sleep. Subluxations compress the nerves causing the lack of communication between the spine and the brain. This can lead to stress response which puts the body out of balance and sleeping well becomes challenging.

When your spine is properly aligned, your nervous system can:

• Send clear signals to your brain
• Help your body produce sleep hormones
• Reduce pain signals that keep you awake

Hormone Balance

Sleep and hormones work together. The stress hormone cortisol is produced by the HPA axis, which also helps coordinate your sleep cycles. When stress hormones are too high, sleep becomes very difficult.

Research indicates adjustments may lower cortisol while increasing endorphins and serotonin – key regulators of mood and stress response. This creates the perfect conditions for good sleep.

Sleep Position and Mattress Tips

Best Sleep Positions

Your sleep position matters a lot for spine health. Stomach sleeping is actually one of the worst positions for your body. This sleep position does nothing to help your body naturally adjust itself.

Better sleep positions include:

• Sleeping on your back with a pillow under your knees
• Sleeping on your side with a pillow between your knees
• Using a supportive pillow that keeps your neck aligned

Choosing the Right Mattress

A good mattress supports your spine’s natural curves. Invest in a quality mattress and pillow that supports your spine while you sleep. Your mattress should be firm enough to support you but soft enough to be comfortable.

What to Expect from Chiropractic Sleep Care

Your First Visit

During your first visit, your chiropractor will:

• Ask about your sleep problems
• Check your spine alignment
• Look at your posture
• Discuss your sleep habits

Following a thorough evaluation, a skilled chiropractor can also provide advice on a better sleeping position, postural exercises, supportive mattress, and ergonomic pillow to help you sleep well.

Treatment Process

Most people don’t need just one adjustment. Chiropractic adjustments to your neck on a regular basis will decreases your chances of ever developing sleep apnea. Regular care helps maintain proper alignment and keeps your nervous system working well.

Treatment might include:

• Gentle spinal adjustments
• Soft tissue massage
• Posture exercises
• Sleep hygiene advice

Additional Sleep Improvement Strategies

Lifestyle Changes That Help

Along with chiropractic care, these habits can improve your sleep:

1. Keep a regular sleep schedule – Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
2. Create a cool, dark room – A cooler room temperature (around 65°F) has been found effective in promoting better sleep
3. Limit screen time – Turn off phones and TVs at least 1 hour before bed
4. Avoid caffeine late in the day – Stop drinking coffee after 2 PM

Stress Management

Your chiropractor will encourage you to establish an evening routine. It should include simple stretches and relaxation methods that allow the muscles to release any tension.

Simple stress-busting activities include:

• Deep breathing exercises
• Gentle stretching
• Reading a book
• Taking a warm bath

Benefits Beyond Better Sleep

Improved Overall Health

Good sleep affects your whole body. Harvard Health Publishing explains that sleep is crucial for physical health, mental health, and overall quality of life. By promoting proper nervous system function, chiropractic care can help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation.

When you sleep better, you might notice:

• More energy during the day
• Better mood and less irritability
• Stronger immune system
• Better focus and memory

Long-Term Wellness

Routinely visiting your chiropractor for adjustments will allow your body to restore proper function. You may notice an increase in energy as well as an improvement in your sleep among other benefits.

Regular chiropractic care can help prevent future sleep problems and keep your body functioning at its best.

Who Can Benefit from Chiropractic Sleep Care

Adults with Sleep Problems

If you have trouble sleeping, chiropractic care might help. The American Sleep Association (ASA) says that 50 to 70 million people in the United States struggle with some sort of sleep disorder. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute confirms that sleep disorders are common and can significantly impact daily life. Many of these people could benefit from chiropractic care.

People with Chronic Pain

Nearly 50% of chronic pain sufferers report sleep disturbances. If pain is keeping you awake, addressing the root cause through chiropractic care can help both your pain and your sleep.

Anyone Under Stress

All this stress adds up to more and more cortisol produced in your body and more cortisol in your blood stream means you cannot sleep as well. If work, family, or life stress is affecting your sleep, chiropractic care can help lower stress hormones.

Getting Started with Chiropractic Sleep Care

Finding the Right Chiropractor

When looking for a chiropractor to help you with your insomnia, it is essential to do your research. Look for a chiropractor who:

• Has experience with sleep problems
• Uses gentle, safe techniques
• Listens to your concerns
• Explains treatment clearly

What to Bring to Your First Visit

Come prepared with:

• Information about your sleep problems
• List of current medications
• Details about your pain or discomfort
• Questions about treatment

Setting Realistic Expectations

One-third of people who have had a chiropractic adjustment report that they experience improvement in their sleep immediately. However, everyone is different. Some people feel better right away, while others need several treatments.

Cost and Insurance Considerations

Many insurance plans cover chiropractic care, especially when it’s for pain management. Check with your insurance company about coverage for chiropractic treatments.

At HealthQuest Longevity, we work with many insurance plans and can help you understand your coverage options.

Combining Chiropractic Care with Other Treatments

Working with Your Doctor

If you have serious sleep disorders like sleep apnea, work with both your medical doctor and chiropractor. If you suspect that you are suffering from sleep apnea, visiting a chiropractor can be extremely beneficial. But you should also see a sleep specialist for proper diagnosis.

Other Helpful Treatments

Chiropractic care works well with:

• Massage therapy for muscle relaxation
• Physical therapy for strength and flexibility
• Stress management counseling
• Sleep hygiene education

Safety and Side Effects

Is Chiropractic Care Safe?

While generally considered safe for most people, some individuals may experience temporary soreness, stiffness, or slight fatigue after a chiropractic adjustment. These effects usually go away within a day or two.

Who Should Avoid Chiropractic Care

People with certain conditions should talk to their doctor before getting chiropractic care. This includes people with:

• Severe osteoporosis
• Spinal cord compression
• Certain types of cancer
• Blood clotting disorders

Research and Evidence

What Studies Show

Research supports the connection between chiropractic care and better sleep. A 2016 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments reduced cortisol and improved self-reported relaxation scores in patients under high stress.

One study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that patients who received chiropractic adjustments reported significant improvements in sleep quality and duration.

Ongoing Research

Scientists are still learning about how chiropractic care affects sleep. Currently, there is little evidence for chiropractic treatment of insomnia. However, there is a wealth of information available about insomnia diagnosis and treatment. More research is needed, but early results are promising.

Final Thoughts

Sleep problems affect millions of people, but chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free way to improve your sleep quality. By addressing spine alignment, reducing pain, and lowering stress hormones, chiropractic adjustments can help you get the rest you need.

If you’re tired of tossing and turning all night, consider talking to a chiropractor about your sleep problems. Many people find that regular chiropractic care helps them sleep better and feel more rested during the day.

Remember, good sleep is not a luxury – it’s necessary for your health and well-being. When you sleep better, you feel better, think clearer, and enjoy life more.

Ready to sleep better? Contact us to learn how our chiropractic care can help you get the restful sleep you deserve. Your journey to better sleep starts with taking the first step toward proper spine health.