Sleep and Health

I was recently asked to write an article for a magazine--and when I finished I wanted to share it with more people.  I asked Dr. K and she suggested I post it on her blog...  So here it is!  Not only is this my first guest Blog Post, but it's my first blog EVER!!!!!  Please let me know what you think!

Have a specific question?  Let me know and I will be happy to answer--and who knows, maybe it will lead to another Blog!

Dr. Claire


Sleep…. Some people fall asleep before their head hits the pillow, for others sleep is elusive, bed time is dreaded and they would give anything for a good night’s sleep. Getting the right amount of sleep plays a vital role in health and wellness for people of all ages.   Research shows ‘lack of sleep’ manifests itself in a host of serious conditions, impacting physical and mental performance, resistance to illness and our ability to interact well with others.  Whether in the workplace, at home, in the classroom or on the court or course, sleep is essential not only for wellness, but also for optimum performance. 

When most of us consider sleep deprivation and injuries, we think about ‘Falling asleep at the wheel’. According to researcher Ling-Ling Tsai, PhD, “Just one night of sleep deprivation greatly hinders the ability to detect and correct errors”.  And after that first error, there tends to be a series of errors that magnify the problem and the consequences.  Recognize just how many tragic workplace injuries involving machinery or heavy equipment leading to loss of limb or life were really caused by lack of sleep. 

Scientists have reported an all-important link between sleep & heart health, noting a worsening of high blood pressure & high cholesterol, as well as calcium deposits in the arteries in those who lack sufficient sleep.  The correlation between the epidemic of obesity & lack of sleep has gotten a good deal of press lately, but most of us don't even consider sleep problems in children. 

Researchers worldwide are reporting dramatic findings that moms everywhere seemed to know all along. “You need a nap…” “You need to sleep to grow…”or “Tomorrow’s a school day, you need to get to sleep early” are comments we’ve all heard.  Pediatric research demonstrates a link between sleep problems and significant behavior problems, affective disorders & anxiety in children.  And we all know that we do better when we’ve had a good night’s sleep.  In simple terms, lack of sleep or unhealthy sleep habits can lead to real problems in our children. 

How much is enough?  Sleep needs vary from person to person & they change during your lifecycle! Most adults need 7-8 hours. Newborns 16-18 hours, preschoolers 10-12 hours & school age children need at least 9 hours of sleep. 

Sleeping on your back is the least stressful position for your spine. Doctors of Chiropractic recommend you use a medium pillow under your knees and avoid high pillows under your head & neck.  If you sleep on your side, bend your knees placing a medium pillow between them and choose a pillow designed to support your neck in the side sleeping position.  *Avoid sleeping on your stomach. 

If you have trouble sleeping or for Sleep Tips, go to: www.caremorechiro.com .   If health, wellness & peak performance are a priority for you, see a Doctor of Chiropractic. Be proactive about your health! 


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