Sleep is one of the most important health measures we have. Recent American research shows that lack of sleep is epidemic and constitutes a public health crisis. Poor sleep quality has been proven to result in poor physical health, poor memory, and in fact nearly all people suffering mental health problems have a history of inadequate or poor quality sleep. Which comes first, we don't know. But if we can break the cycle, then better function will follow.
In order to fall asleep, the body needs to become cooler, flaccid and deeply relaxed. Strain patterns that have developed slowly, and to which you have become habituated and so almost imperceptible, will nevertheless be causing problems. So before you buy a new mattress, or blame the pillow (and an inexpensive feather pillow will fit your unique neck and back farbetter than a moulded expensive one), consider that it may well be back and neck strain patterns that stop you from dropping off.
If you can only fall asleep in an eccentric position, with head, neck and limbs askew, then you have a strain pattern in your body. By adopting that weird posture, you are subconsciously trying to find a position of the least strain which will to allow you to drop off.
Since we can turn in our beds up to 100 times a night, a strain pattern will reduce the quality and quantity of sleep. So what’s what of the main indicators that you may benefit from seeing an osteopath or chiropractor as CSO? Poor sleep and tiredness. And in turn, what's one of the measures of the effectiveness of our care? Improved quality of sleep.
