Counting Sheep…. Why Can’t I Sleep?

Can a healthy spine help you to sleep better? 

In today’s fast-paced world, stress and sleep problems have become increasingly common. Many people struggle with insomnia, poor sleep quality, low ‘deep sleep’ scores or frequent wake-ups due to stress. While various solutions that often involve injecting chemicals / medications exist,  chiropractic care is an often-overlooked approach that can significantly improve sleep and reduce stress. 

But how does spinal health impact these critical areas of well-being? 

Let’s have a closer look….

The Link Between Stress, Sleep, and the Nervous System

The spine houses the central nervous system, which controls virtually every function in the body, including sleep cycles and stress responses. When the spine is misaligned (a condition known as subluxation), it can interfere with nerve communication, leading to increased stress levels and disrupted sleep patterns.

Multiple studies have shown that chiropractic adjustments can help regulate the autonomic nervous system, shifting the body from a heightened stress state (sympathetic dominance) to a relaxed state (parasympathetic activation). This shift is crucial for achieving restful sleep and reducing cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.

Need some help? Click here to book an appointment and simply write "help me sleep" in the notes.

Prefer to chat first? Call us at (02) 7204 3087, and Dr. Bryce and the team will be happy to assist you.

4 TOP TIPS FOR A BETTER NIGHT SLEEP

Insights from Leading Experts

Experts such as Dr. Joe Dispenza, Dr. John Demartini, Dr. Bruce Lipton, and Dr. Andrew Huberman emphasise the importance of nervous system regulation for sleep and stress management. Here are their top four sleep recommendations. 

• 1. Balance Your Body: (Spinal Alignment)
  Prolonged sitting, poor posture, lack of physical activity, and emotional or chemical stressors can all affect spinal movement, often leading to Spinal Subluxation Complex—where the bones of the spine become restricted and fail to move properly. Chiropractors are the only healthcare professionals trained to assess and adjust spinal subluxations, restoring normal spinal motion. This helps shift the body from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state to a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, promoting deeper, more restorative sleep. (And all you need to do is relax on the chiropractic table for a short session!)

• 2. Balance Your Mind: Calm your mind to calm your body.
  Techniques like meditation, breath work, gratitude recording and visualisation can also shift the body from a sympathetic (fight-or-flight) state to a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state, promoting deeper sleep.

• 3. Create a Good Routine: Follow a Consistent Sleep-Wake Cycle
  The body’s circadian rhythm is highly sensitive to light. Prof. Andrew Huberman recommends waking up at the same time every day and getting natural sunlight exposure in the morning to regulate melatonin production and improve sleep quality.

• 4. Reduce Artificial Light & Stimulants
  Exposure to blue light from screens and artificial lighting suppresses melatonin production. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals before bed to enhance natural sleep cycles will also greatly help. 

A Deeper dive into the Chiropractic Adjustment and Sleep.

How Chiropractic Adjustments Cam Improve Sleep?

1. Enhancing Nervous System Function: By improving nervous system regulation & function, chiropractic spinal care supports the body’s ability to find balance (homeostasis) and can regulate sleep cycles more effectively.

2. Lowering Stress Hormones: A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments can lower cortisol levels and improve heart rate variability, both of which are associated with reduced stress and better sleep.

3. Encouraging Relaxation and Well-Being: Chiropractic care has been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine levels—neurotransmitters that promote relaxation and happiness. Higher serotonin levels also support melatonin production, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

4. Reducing Pain and Discomfort: Spinal misalignments can cause tension, stiffness, and discomfort that make it difficult to find a comfortable sleep position. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, alleviating pain and promoting relaxation.

Chiropractic and Stress Relief

Chronic stress leads to muscle tension, headaches, and other physical symptoms. Chiropractic adjustments help release muscle tightness, improve blood circulation, and enhance the body’s ability to handle stress. A study published in Complementary Therapies in Medicine showed that participants who received chiropractic care reported lower perceived stress and improved well-being compared to those who did not.

Need some help? Click here to book an appointment and simply write "help me sleep" in the notes.

Prefer to chat first? Call us at (02) 7204 3087, and Dr. Bryce and the team will be happy to assist you.

Good luck! (and have a great night sleep!)