Adequate Rest

Rest, relaxation …

...and revitalization!

Adequate rest is just as important to your health as regular exercise.  Sleep requirements vary from person to person. Each person is their own best judge of need for sleep.  The most important thing is to wake up refreshed and revitalized.

Here are some tips on getting the most from bedtime hours:

• Be sure to sleep on a mattress that is neither too firm nor too soft.  It should be soft enough to contour to your body shape, yet firm enough to keep your body from sagging in the middle.
• Sleep on a pillow that keeps your neck level with the rest of the spine.  Different people need different kinds of pillow. If you need to elevate your head for any reason, elevate the whole head of the bed, by placing the feet of the bed on bricks or short two by four wood blocks.
• Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as this puts a strain on your neck and low back.  You may need to elevate the knees with a pillow, sleep with a pillow between the knees or sleep with a small pillow under the waist when on the side to  relax the muscles of the spine.
• Avoid stimulating activities such as television before bed.  If you do watch TV or read in bed, avoid propping your head up with pillows or propping yourself up on your arms.  Sit up in bed, supporting your back and neck with pillows and put a pillow under your knees.
• Keep the room as dark and as quiet as possible.  Light will signal the brain to wake up.
• Leave your problems at the bedroom door so you don't take them to bed with you.  Sometimes it helps to have soothing sounds and thoughts as you are falling asleep.

 In our fast moving world, to rest and relaxation during the day is also essential for restoring and maintaining health.  I recommend a daily “vacation” where you give yourself time for complete physical and mental relaxation.  Regular chiropractic care helps maintain your health by removing nervous system irritation that could keep you from sleeping and resting properly.

If you or anyone your know is having trouble sleeping, is waking up tired or generally feels tense, I would be honored to talk with them about their issues.  In addition to chiropractic care, we offer Neurofeedback, massage and nutritional supplementation that can help restore normal sleep patterns.

Remember, you can only be your best when you are functioning at your full health potential.  Regular chiropractic care, regular exercise and adequate rest and relaxation are some essential activities to express your full health potential.