Sleep Disorders

One-third of all adult Americans complain about their sleep, a statistic that is consistent around the world. Some sleep too little, some fitfully, and some too much. Although one-third of our lives is spent asleep, most of us don't know much about it, not even our own. We don't even know exactly why we sleep, yet sleep problems profoundly disturb both sleeping and waking life.

Sleep disturbances place an uncalculated but enormous burden on the American public. Many industrial and automobile accidents are related to undiagnosed and untreated disorders of sleep. School and job performance, and everyday social relationships, are also affected. Most sleep disorders, whether caused by physical or mental factors, can be treated or managed effectively once they are properly diagnosed. Unfortunately, the majority of sleep disorders go undiagnosed.

When treating sleep disorders, doctors of chiropractic take a closer look at different areas of the brain that are specific for sleep cycles and brain activity. An attempt is made to evaluate the central state of function of the cerebral cortex, the brain stem, the high brain stem, the low brain stem, the spinal cord, and feedback loops that affect the area of the brain that controls sleep-wake cycles. There are a tremendous number of feedback loops that affect the stages of sleep and the final stage, REM.

Traditional chiropractic care can offer relief to people suffering from sleep disorders through mechanical manipulation. For example, manipulation may improve chest wall mechanics, so that people breathe better with improved oxygenation. It can also help people with spasms, pain, and joint dysfunction of the neck, shoulders, and back by decreasing pain and restlessness while possibly increasing spinal cord reflexes that improve blood flow. Sometimes neck problems can cause tension and anxiety which interrupts sleep. Releasing the tension through chiropractic treatment can help normal sleep patterns to return. Some insomniacs have claimed to be helped by occasional chiropractic adjustments.

If you are having sleep related problems and would like to speak with one of our doctors about this, call our office.