What is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder that affects millions worldwide, characterized by difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. This condition can lead to significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, and other important areas of functioning. The impact of insomnia extends beyond just sleep, as it is often linked with various psychological issues, including depression and anxiety, and can significantly diminish an individual's overall quality of life.
Central to the body's regulation of sleep is the nervous system, which orchestrates a range of bodily functions necessary for a healthy sleep cycle. The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body, and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction that chiropractors correct. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic improves nerve supply and function.
Chiropractic care offers a non-pharmacological option for insomnia by focusing on the correction of structural shifts that may be contributing to sleep disturbances. The chiropractic approach involves manual adjustments to the spine intended to enhance spinal health and nerve function. By improving spinal alignment, chiropractic care can reduce nerve obstruction that may be exacerbating sleep problems, thereby facilitating better regulation of the body's natural rhythms.
Numerous case studies and some empirical research suggest that regular chiropractic care not only helps improve alignment but also aids in reducing stress and anxiety, which are common contributors to insomnia. The relaxation of muscle tension and improvement in nervous system function through chiropractic adjustments may help individuals achieve a more restful state, conducive to sleep.
In conclusion, while traditional medical treatments for insomnia often focus on symptoms, chiropractic care offers a holistic approach aimed at addressing some of the physical dysfunctions that may underlie sleep disturbances. With its focus on enhancing the body's natural healing abilities and improving nerve function, chiropractic care is becoming a valuable component of a comprehensive approach to treating insomnia, particularly for those looking for a drug-free therapy option.
Chiropractic Helps Man Struggling with Insomnia
The 69-year-old man reported on in the study had been suffering from insomnia for over a decade. His sleep was often broken by waking up multiple times throughout the night. This poor sleep quality negatively impacted his daily function. He also had complaints of neck pain.
The chiropractor examined him and found structural shifts in his neck and upper back. Restricted range of motion and postural changes, and restricted range of motion were noted. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic adjustments, his neck pain resolved, and his sleep improved as he began to enjoy hours of uninterrupted sleep.
The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in adults with insomnia.
Reference
Chiropractic Care for a Patient with a Chronic Case of Insomnia: A Case Study. Trystanna Williams, DC. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ Volume, 2024.