Sleep EZ in Buellton

One primary tenet of chiropractic is that the body’s resources are utilized to heal itself. Sleep is thought of by many to be restorative process during which we heal the mind and body. Sleep is thought of by many to be restorative process during which we heal the mind and body. It is common knowledge that we often sleep better after regular adjustment of the spine. When our spinal column is in the proper alignment, our nervous system is happy and all of its resources are available to make us well. Call our chiropractic office in Buellton today for an adjustment!

THE DO'S AND DONTS

These suggestions will make getting to sleep easier:

1. Calm the mind with deep breathing and imagery of a relaxing place.
2. Meditation can set a wonderful state of calm to prepare for sleep.
3. Take a warm bath (not too hot, just above body temperature).
4. Drink a warm beverage (milk or herbal tea) or eat a snack (oatmeal, banana, turkey sandwich, etc).
5. Dim lighting and soothing music help relaxation.
6. Light reading, nothing too involved.

The following recommendations will make sleep more difficult and less restful:

1. Alcohol will make sleep much less restful. It inhibits an important stage of sleep known as R.E.M.
2. Caffeine is a particularly poor sleep aid. It does not leave the blood stream for between 7-24 hours! Limit or omit your caffeine intake during the day if you have trouble sleeping and are a daytime coffee drinker.
3. Tobacco products act as stimulants of the central nervous system (like caffeine), avoid them.
4. Bright lights tell the body that it is time to be awake; avoid them at least one half hour before bedtime.
5. Physical activity within two hours of sleep time may make it difficult to get to sleep.
6. Large meals may make it harder to sleep. It requires effort to digest food.
7. Watching TV or getting involved in a program around sleep time may make it hard to get to sleep or make you miss your usual bedtime for which you will pay all day long the next day.
8. Do not take sleep aids, they easily become relied upon.

Helpful Hints: Consistent routines with respect to sleep make it an easy process; for children and adults.

1. Got to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.
2. Consistent exercise will help you sleep deeper and hence you will wake more rested.
3. Remove the TV from the bedroom if you tend to watch it. You will get to sleep faster.
4. If traveling, take your own pillow. This works especially well for those who travel a lot.

Posture: These do’s and don’ts will make your spine and neck happier in the morning.

1. Do not sleep on a soft mattress but, mattress firmness is as unique as the person.
2. Do not sleep on your stomach.
3. Do sleep on your side and back.
4. Place pillows under knees and neck while sleeping on back.
5. Place pillows under neck and between knees when sleeping side.
6. Waterbeds are great if filled slightly convex and at the correct temperature.

Lying Down and Arising Properly: Lying down and getting up correctly will alleviate strain.

1. Lie on side next to the edge of the bed.
2. If on left side, use left elbow and right hand to push yourself up as legs fall off of bed simultaneously. This creates a pendulum effect making it easy to push yourself up.
3. Lie down in reverse order.