Sleeping – The Melbourne Chiropractor

We all know that sleep is important. But do we know why? Sleep plays a vital role in both your physical and mental health. It aids the body’s ability to function through a variety processes:

1️⃣ Improved recovery and body repair. Decreased sleep increases the possibility of fatigue and low energy levels. This is explained by the link between sleep deprivation and decreased synthesis of glycogen and carbohydrates stores [used for energy]. It is also believed that a significant amount of growth hormone is produced when we sleep; primarily responsible for muscle growth, repair, bone building and fat burning. Studies have linked increased amounts of sleep with improved athletic performance such as sprint speed and free throw shooting ability in basketball.

2️⃣ Improved cardiovascular health. Decreased levels of sleep has been linked to increased levels of hypertension, increased stress hormone [cortisol] and an increased heartbeat. It’s believed that too little sleep causes disruptions to important biological processes of the body such as blood pressure, and glucose and inflammation regulation. Evidence strongly supports a link between sleep apnoea and compromised heart health.

3️⃣ Decreased weight. Decreased sleep has been linked to decreased activity in the hormones that control appetite. Furthermore, a lack of sleep has been linked to decreased processing of stored carbohydrates. A study conducted in the Public Library of Science Medicine found that individuals who had less than 6 hours of sleep were more likely to have a higher BMI.

4️⃣ Increased immune function. Lack of sleep has been linked to suppressed immune function. Evidence suggests that sleep deprivation decreases the production of infection fighting antibodies and inflammation promoting cytokines. A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association found that almost half the amount of antibodies were produced in sleep deprived individuals [in response to the flu vaccine].

5️⃣ Improved cognitive function. Sleep deprivation has strongly been linked to a decrease in cognitive function and changes in mood.

*Note: If you are suffering from a lack of sleep and are finding that Neck pain, Low back pain, poor posture, stress, headaches or joint pain are holding you back. Don’t hesitate to contact our team of experienced health professionals who are always happy to help! We also have Contoured Memory Foam Pillows in Stock! Online Bookings are available 7 days a week! https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/book-now

https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/

About Neck Pain –

There are three main types of neck pain which may include:

Acute Neck pain = Neck pain that is usually severe and has been going on for the last 72 hours is considered acute
Sub acute Neck pain = Neck pain that has continued for the last 2 weeks either on or off or consistently painful with movement.
Chronic neck pain = Neck pain that has continuous episodes of pain over a monthly period.

Common causes of neck pain

Muscular dysfunction or tightness
Poor posture
Structural changes
Strains or sprains
Poor sleeping posture
Car accidents or sporting injuries that result in whiplash

Common symptoms of neck pain

Stiffness and pain in the neck
Difficulty moving your neck
Unexplained headaches
Tight Muscles within the area
Poor posture

If you are someone who is suffering with neck pain and are reading this blog then our recommendation would be to see a Chiropractor or another health care professional to see how you can be helped! The earlier you choose to make a change to your neck pain the better off you will be as being proactive to the causes of neck pain can limit the amount of degeneration and damage you could be causing!

Do pillows help you sleep better?

There are two important factors that determine a good night’s sleep!

1. The position you sleep in

It is recommended to either side sleep or sleep on your back. Sleeping on your stomach is not ideal as it puts allot of strain in the neck area and can cause issues.

2. The pillow you use

The pillow you need is one that allows you to lay your head on to it without bending your neck or tilting it either side. There are allot of pillows around that can support your neck although finding the right one can be hard to do. If you are struggling and need assistance our team are more than happy to help you in the clinic to fit you out with the correct pillow for your posture.

What is the correct height for a pillow?

All pillows are different and the correct pillow for you will not be the correct pillow for someone else as people sleep differently and may have broader shoulders than someone else.

What Makes A Good Pillow?

The most important factors when looking for a pillow include:

Head and neck support in a neutral position
No space between the neck, shoulder and pillow
Dense materials are great like memory foam although to hard can be problematic
A contoured pillow that is comfortable is ideal for sleeping on

What Makes A Bad Pillow?

Pillow offers no support for your head and neck
Pillow moves you out of neutral spine posture when sleeping
Pillow is not breathable or dense.

Pillows usually last up to 2 years as they begin to sag and begin not to hold as well as before. Washing your pillow regularly also helps maintain its freshness and allows it to reman hygienic for many more sleeps.

Do Bad Pillows Cause Neck Pain?

A “Bad Pillow” is a primary cause of neck pain as sleeping in a position that strains the muscles in your neck for hours at a time can do more damage to you then sleeping on a couch! The reasoning behind this is that poor sleeping posture for prolonged periods will aggravate just about anything in your body let alone the neck. Changing your pillow is just an extra step to help correct your poor posture as this is a habit that becomes continuous and may be bringing at risk for episodes of neck pain.

Should You Get A New Pillow?

A new pillow may be a drastic change although if you are someone who is experiencing neck pain this may be the change you need to kick start your journey to better health. It is important that you look around for the best quality pillow and don’t cheap out on something that is there to support your neck for years to come! If you are having trouble finding something that best suits you our team at The Melbourne Chiropractor have various pillows in stock that can be fitted before buying.

https://themelbournechiropractor.com.au/

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