In today’s fast-paced, competitive society, many Americans are working or playing longer hours and therefore sleeping less. In fact, sleep deprivation, with its many negative consequences for optimal health, has become almost epidemic. The need for adequate sleep cannot be overstated, as it is during this time that the body repairs and heals itself.

Quality sleep is probably more important than quantity because during the deepest portion of the sleep cycle, the body’s tissues and nervous system are replenished and restored at the cellular level. Insomnia is often a challenging health concern as many physical and emotional factors can play a role.

A doctor of chiropractic can often be of great assistance in helping you to overcome insomnia through spinal adjustment to restore balance within your nervous system. In addition, he or she may provide you with advice regarding:

Your choice of bed, mattress and pillow;
Avoidance of or reduction of caffeine products;
Supplementation with magnesium, calcium and vitamins C and D;
Use of safe herbal remedies such as valerian root;

In resistant cases, instead of resorting to the use of sleeping pills, your chiropractor may provide you with advice regarding the appropriate use of melatonin, a naturally occurring hormone available without prescription which has been shown to be of great value in overcoming many cases of insomnia. In addition, he or she may assist you in understanding how emotional stress and unresolved conflicts can negatively affect both the quality and quantity of your sleep and provide guidance as to how to resolve such issues.