Insomnia
Insomnia can be defined as the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. Obvious to anyone suffering with insomnia, this condition can be a serious medical problem that can undermine one’s quality of life. There are multiple classifications and types of insomnia with a wide variety of causes including restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, certain drugs / medications, pain, anxiety and depression.
Studies have shown that disturbances in the body’s natural circadian rhythms can result in elevated cortisol levels. Prolonged high cortisol levels can lead to abdominal fat, weakened immune system, reduced bone density, reduced muscle mass, decreased thyroid function and many other negative side effects. In addition, insomnia may be a precursor for many health conditions including mental disorders. In order to receive a proper diagnosis for insomnia, a person may need to have sleep studies performed at a sleep medicine clinic.
Initial treatment usually centers on creating good sleep habits such as avoiding caffeine in the afternoon and evenings, keep the room cool and dark, avoiding exercise right before bed, etc. Many people turn to medication for relief. Medications may lead to dependence and many other negative effects on health as well as making a person more prone to accidents due to lowered awareness during the day. Changing a person’s mental approach to sleeping with the help of a therapist or counselor has yielded good results in many studies. An interesting fact is that one survey that looked at over 1 million people regarding sleep and mortality showed that around 7 hours/night is ideal. Mortality rates went up with more that 8 or less than 6 hours/night.
There are several more supplements and vitamins that may be effective for insomnia including probably the most popular – melatonin. Other promising supplements are valerian root and magnesium.
Perhaps the most intriguing approach to the treatment of insomnia is acupuncture. Acupuncture may work by activating different regions of the brain and changing the biochemistry and the way the brain functions. Brain scans have shown increased electrical activity in different areas based on the stimulation of certain acupuncture points.
Chiropractic care may also work to change how the brain functions by providing a massive stimulation to nerve receptors resulting in decreased pain levels allowing the nervous system including the brain to function in a relaxed state.
Frisco Spinal Rehab offers both acupuncture and chiropractic services as well as massage to help relax the body and offer an alternative approach to the treatment of insomnia. Cal our clinic in Frisco, TX today if you are suffering with insomnia and would like more information on the services we offer.
