Bottom Line:

Most of us know someone who doesn’t have the best sleeping patterns. Not surprisingly, many of us think of ourselves when this topic comes up because we’re all too familiar with the fatigue, brain fog, and worn-down feeling that comes with missing out on a good night’s sleep, especially during the holidays. However, by committing to a consistent sleep schedule and staying well-adjusted, you can set the groundwork for keeping your energy up and keeping your body performing at its best.  

Why it Matters:

Sleep plays a significant role in your overall health. Did you know that chronic sleep deficiency has been linked to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more?! In fact, your sleep patterns directly contribute to your overall physical and mental energy levels and the overall function of your immune system. When you enter that sleeping state, your brain and central nervous system are hard at work preparing you for the next day. It makes sense then that lack of sleep is often tied to those physical ailments mentioned previously, as well as a decrease in your immune system’s ability to fight common infections. The good news? Getting just 7-8 hours per night will allow your body to feel and function better.

•       Getting enough sleep will help you feel more energised and experience less fatigue.

•       Lack of sleep has been linked to obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, and more.

•       Consistently getting 7-8 hours of sleep may reduce your likelihood of getting sick.

Next Steps:

Set aside some time to unwind each night. Indulge in a chapter of that new bestseller or simply get comfy, close your eyes, and drift off with some calming music or your favourite meditation audio. If muscle tension, spasms, or pain are keeping you up at night, please let us know. We would be honoured to create a specific care plan to help you get the most out of your precious hours of rest. Just give us a call!

Science Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. June 7, 2017, Harvard Health Publishing. January 2006

Dr. Ryno Tope is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a member of the New Zealand Chiropractic Association, and owner of Structural Chiropractic in Hastings and Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay. Dr. Tope focuses on an area of chiropractic called Structural Correction and has been in practice for 10 years. You can reach Dr. Tope at drryno@structuralchiro.co.nz or 06•651•1004. You can also follow the Structural Chiropractic Facebook page (www.facebook.com/StructuralChiropracticHB).