It’s estimated that between 40 and 60 percent of the population in the US suffers from some form of insomnia. Recent studies show that 15% of individuals between ages 19 and 64 and 7% of individuals between ages 13 and 18 get fewer than 6 hours of sleep per night. 40% of individuals also indicated that they are so sleepy during the day that it interferes with their daily activities. In 2011 this correlated to insomnia having an economic impact of 63.2 billion dollars. The average individual lost 11.3 days of workplace productivity and $2,280 per year. 76% of this cost was directly linked to work absences and decreased productivity due to drowsiness.
Common symptoms of inadequate sleep include fatigue or malaise, attention/concentration or memory impairment, social or vocational dysfunction, poor school performance, mood disturbance or irritability, daytime sleepiness, motivation/energy reduction, prominence for errors at work or while driving, tension, gastrointestinal disruptions, and increased concern or worry.
Disruptions in the natural circadian rhythms can lead to increased levels of cortisol (stress hormone). These increased stress hormones can lead to decreased bone density, muscle mass, immune response, and increased fat accumulation and shifts in thyroid function.
Proper sleep is necessary because it is the body’s normal time to have self-detoxification while promoting growth, enhancing memory, sharpening the mind, stabilizing emotions, and slowing the aging process. Recommended sleep of 7.5-8.5 hours per night is necessary to obtain these benefits.
Get Better Sleep and Feel More Rested
How can you get better sleep and feel more rested
during the day? Try these simple tips to improve the amount and quality of sleep that you are getting:
- Decrease caffeine consumption and eliminate completely after early afternoon
- Do not use electronics including watching television, using a computer, or smart phone within an hour of bedtime
- Get regular exercise, preferably in the morning, and not within 2-3 hours of bedtime
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Maintain a proper routine that includes waking and going to bed at the same time daily
- Make sure that your nervous system is functioning properly with routine chiropractic care
A recent study of 221 chiropractic patients showed that 1/3 had an immediate impact on sleep performance with 98% of these indicating improved sleep following an adjustment with results lasting up to 6 days post-treatment. Chiropractic has been shown to increase relaxation, promote blood flow, and allow proper nervous system functioning by removing interference that can allow you to sleep more soundly.
Call us (319)337-6000 or stop in today to find out how we can help you improve your sleep through chiropractic and nutritional supplementation.
