The effect of sleep loss on physical health

Our bodies are sensitive to even the tiniest of changes. They are hardwired to maintain a state of homeostasis, which helps us to live comfortably and healthfully. Lack of sleep can disturb our body’s natural processes and greatly undermine our ability to maintain a good quality of life. According to SingleCare, approximately 50-70 million Americans struggle with chronic sleep disorders — which indicates that a good amount of the population is not getting enough sleep.

There are many underlying causes of sleep disturbances, one of the most notable and common of which is chronic pain. This can be caused by chronic illnesses, inflammation or muscle aches caused by poor posture. There can also be other considerations and factors that can affect your ability to have painless nights, although these are among some of the most common reasons.

Sleep loss can range from mild to severe and can vary depending on your surrounding health circumstances. It may also be chronic or acute and should be mentioned to your healthcare professional when you encounter it on a recurrent basis.

The consequences of sleep loss can be devastating. If you experience chronic insomnia, you could heighten your risk of stroke, hormonal imbalance, obesity and coronary artery disease. While these diseases are not directly related to your sleep cycle, you can deal with these consequences in the form of comorbidities. Sleep also creates impediments in more obvious ways, and can directly impact your reaction times, overall energy levels and your ability to be productive and enjoy life.

In some extreme cases, individuals are placed on sleep medication or supplementation to help get an adequate night’s sleep. In many other cases, however, simple and noninvasive techniques may be all that you need to finally experience a night of deep, restorative rest.

How do I know how to treat my chronic sleep disturbances?

If you’re struggling to get a good night’s rest, consider chiropractic care. Doctors of chiropractic (DCs) will be able to assess your physical state and offer you ways that you can support your health naturally. If the underlying cause of the sleep disorder is from unaddressed, chronic pain or inflammation, they can then work with you on exercises, stretches and other treatment options to support your recovery. DCs are trained to provide you with supportive and preventative wellness techniques suited to your personal health journey and present diagnoses.

It’s not uncommon to suffer from insomnia. But you can do something about it. If pain is getting in the way of your sleep or you’d like more information, please use our locator tool to find a DC near you.