Why We Need a Good Sleep
Why We Need a Good Sleep
You don’t need a scientist to tell you that sleep is essential. You feel the effects of a bad night’s sleep, whether it’s one night or multiple nights—headaches, fatigue, brain fog, poor concentration, even stomach aches! New parents especially are well-versed with how essential sleep is to being able to function daily. There are some serious long-term consequences, mentally and physically, for those of us not getting enough sleep each night. Thankfully, visiting a Rochester Hills chiropractor can be helpful in maintaining or achieving quality sleep. Learning more about why our bodies need sleep and how visiting Vitality Precision Chiropractic in Rochester Hills will empower you to take the next step in a holistically healthy lifestyle.
Why Do We Need Sleep?
Our bodies operate on an internal clock, which is attuned to a cycle known as the circadian rhythm. This internal clock tells us when to feel tired and when to wake up, and it repeats that cycle every 24 hours. Light also influences this rhythm, and as the light disappears from the day, our bodies naturally release melatonin, a hormone that makes us sleepy. When the sun rises the next day, our bodies produce hormones that induce energy and alertness.
Scientists have known that adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep per night in order to maintain healthy sleep patterns, but this number varies with age. Teenagers and young adults might need more, while older adults often need less. While our bodies move through different stages of sleep, known as NREM and REM cycles, it’s important for both our bodies and brains that we experience enough uninterrupted cycles of sleep, as each stage helps our bodies recharge and recover in a different way. When we sleep, our bodies are resting but our brain is working, but in a different way than while we are awake. Scientists have learned that the main function of sleep in adults is to maintain our brain function and repair any normal neurological damage that humans experience during waking hours.
Risks of Lack of Sleep
When we don’t get enough sleep, we’re keeping our brains from going through a self-healing process. Lack of sleep for any period of time means our bodies aren’t functioning properly, which leaves us at risk for illness or injury.
Ways to Improve Sleep
Chiropractic care from experienced Rochester Hills chiropractors like Dr. Thomas Madigan and Dr. Brendan Shanahan can help. In fact, it has been proven that regular adjustments to fix spinal misalignments can improve sleep patterns. Regular chiropractic care restores your body’s natural
alignment, giving your body the best chance to heal itself and prevent any future injury or illness. Additionally, the doctors at Vitality Precision Chiropractic can help evaluate your sleep habits and advise you on any ways you might be able to adjust your lifestyle in order to improve sleep.
If you’re ready to see how chiropractic care can help improve your sleep, reach out to Vitality Precision Chiropractic today for an appointment.