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Did you know that chiropractic care might just hold the key to a better night’s sleep? In a 2012 survey in the United States, over 40% of people reported that chiropractic care improved their sleep¹.

The Modern Sleep Challenge

Sleep is getting more attention these days, and for good reason. In our fast-paced world of productivity, constant connectivity, and stress, quality sleep has become a rare luxury²³. Late-night emails, endless social media scrolling, and binge-watching TV shows into the wee hours have become commonplace.

So, what’s the ideal amount of sleep? It depends on your age. Toddlers need eleven to fourteen hours, preschoolers should aim for ten to thirteen hours, school-aged children need nine to twelve hours, while teenagers require eight to ten hours. Adults aged 18 to 60 should ideally get seven to nine hours, a recommendation that extends to those over 60⁴⁵⁶.

Why Sleep Matters

But why is sleep so important, you ask? Recent research reveals that sleep acts like a dishwasher for the brain. During deep sleep, the fluid that bathes and nourishes our brain and spinal cord increases, allowing for a cleansing process to occur, clearing away toxic by-products and debris⁷⁸⁹.

During the day, the brain is bustling with activity, and many essential processes cannot be completed until we rest at night. Information gathered during the day gets consolidated, converting short-term memories into long-term ones and even creating new nerve cells^710111213. So, quality sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed; it’s crucial for long-term memory and learning.

Sleep also plays a vital role in overall health. It allows the body to heal and recharge, preparing it for the demands of the day ahead. Lack of sleep or disrupted sleep has been linked to a range of health problems, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancer, mood disorders, anxiety, and depression^{14151617181920}.

The Immune Connection

But that’s not all. Sleep is a key player in immune function. Sleep loss or disturbed sleep can lead to decreased immune function and increased inflammation-causing cells²¹²²²³. This happens because a lack of sleep triggers a stress response in the body, elevating cortisol levels – a stress hormone crucial for immune regulation[^24^][^25^].

In the short term, this stress response is manageable, but chronic sleep deprivation can lead to sustained inflammation, contributing to the chronic health disorders mentioned earlier.

So, if you’re looking to boost your overall health and well-being, prioritize a good night’s sleep. And if sleep seems elusive, consider seeing your family chiropractor. Many people who receive chiropractic care report improved sleep quality. It’s a natural way to help you achieve that restorative slumber you’ve been missing out on.

Here’s to a healthier, more well-rested you!

 

References

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