Poor sleep is a common problem in the United States. Integrative Healthcare reports that as much as thirty percent of people in the United States have had bouts of insomnia, while ten percent experience chronic insomnia. Two things commonly rob people of a good night’s sleep: anxiety and pain. Massage can address both of those issues helping you rest easy.
Massage Can Relieve Stress and Anxiety
Many people have a hard time falling asleep at night because they feel stressed or anxious. This could be caused by chronic stress or simply an impending major event, such as a wedding or presentation at work. An overactive mind can keep you awake, imaging possible scenarios, envisioning stressful outcomes, or making to-do lists. Massage therapy can help you relax and relieve stress and anxiety so that you can fall asleep and sleep soundly. The National Sleep Foundation points out that massage can trigger serotonin, a neurotransmitter that induces calm feelings. In addition, we often hold tension and stress in our muscles, especially our neck and back. This tension can cause our bodies to feel tight and rigid, making sleep difficult. A massage can release the tension that is held in these places so that muscles feel relaxed and ready to rest.
Pain Can Disrupt Sleep
Pain can keep you awake at night. Perhaps you’ve had an injury at the ski resort, or went a little harder than you should have. If your neck throbs, joints ache, or your lower back is sore, it can be very challenging to rest comfortably. Massage therapy can relieve pain, even chronic pain so that you can improve the quality of your sleep. Time Magazine cites research that found massage reduces inflammatory cytokines, which are known for causing inflammation and pain. The article states that essentially, massage has the same effect as other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NAISDs) such as Tylenol and ibuprofen. Reduced inflammation means less pain which will result in better sleep.
Your Massage Routine
Massage not only feels great, but it physically changes the chemical processes in our bodies to improve sleep and relieve pain. Break the cycles of stress, pain, and sleepless nights when you include massage in your regular routine. Feel the many benefits of lowered anxiety and restful nights. When you sleep well, your overall health is impacted. You will feel more alert, engaged in your daily tasks, and feel physically well. A good night’s sleep is just one of the many benefits of regular massage. Talk with a massage therapist at The Spa at Breckenridge to find out what type of massage and what massage routine would best fit your needs.
