Insomnia

Sleep is a vital function that all our bodies require. When sleep does not occur physical and mental function become impossible. Sleep heals the body, regenerates us and balances us physically and mentally.

A 1991 Gallup Poll found that one person in four suffers from occasional insomnia, 9% of the people polled suffer from chronic insomnia, and all those with sleeping problems at night suffer consequences during the day.

Somnology, the study of sleep, reveals that there are three types of insomnia. Transient Insomnia, which is caused by a temporary stressful situation and may last only a few nights. Short Term Insomnia, which is caused by severe extended emotional stress and may last for a few days to several weeks. Chronic Insomnia, arises from more deep-seated physical and emotional problems, and may be caused by drug use, alcohol consumption, anxiety, fear, mania, depression, obsession, compulsions or chronic pain.

Sleep Medications

Sleep medication may be used, but tolerance builds quickly and users tend to increase the recommended dosage. Prescription sleep medications such as Dalmane, Doral, ProSam, Restoril, Valium, Xanax, and Halcion tend to leave people with a medication hangover and even memory loss. Side effects may be anxiousness, confusion, excitability, violent behavior, and dry mouth. These medications do not solve the insomnia problem; they simply treat the symptoms of sleeplessness.

Health Practices Known To Hasten Sleep

• Go to bed at the same time every night and arise at the same time every morning. No matter what time you fall asleep, this practice trains your body and mind to adjust to a regular schedule.
• Do not lie in bed if you can’t sleep.  You will only become frustrated and feel tenser. Get up and read or watch television, or do something relaxing until you become sleepy.
• Avoid coffee, tea, cola, and cocoa, all of which contain caffeine, six hours before bedtime.
• Do not eat large meals or engage in heavy exercise before bedtime.
• Do not take naps.
• Do not alter your sleeping habits on weekends to catch up.
• Use your bed only for sleep and sex and do not bring your work to bed.
•  Get regular exercise to reduce body tension.
• Try to avoid boredom.  If you are not really awake during the day you will not be able to sleep at night.

Snoring

9 out of 10 people who snore are men, most of them over the age of 40. People who snore tend to be overweight and smokers. Alcohol and sedatives are contributory causes to snoring. High blood pressure is also a cause of snoring. Sleeping on your side, rather than your back, may reduce snoring.

The Chiropractic Approach

Hundreds of years of clinical cases have proven that chiropractic is beneficial to people with sleep disorders. The brain and nervous system regulate the sleep cycle, and spinal nerve blockages cause improper body function. By relieving spinal nerve blockages a healthy nerve supply can reach the brain and rest of the body. This natural and drugless approach to sleep disorder should be explored by anyone with a sleeping problem. One of the first reactions chiropractic patients relay to their chiropractor is usually better sleep.