26th February 2018
Chiropractic is a Drug Free Way to Get a Better Night’s Rest
If getting to sleep is currently difficult due to the heat or an inability to get comfortable, then seeing your family
chiropractor won’t just soothe your sleepless nights — it may also improve the quality of your shuteye, according to the
US National Sleep Foundation.
Founded in 1990, the non-profit National Sleep Foundation promotes public understanding of sleep and sleep disorders. It
says: `While chiropractors generally aren’t thought of as being experts on sleep issues, one-third of people who have a
chiropractic adjustment report that they experience immediate sleep improvement[1],[2].’
Chiropractor and NZCA spokesperson Dr Cassandra Fairest explains: `As well as assessing the spine and nervous system to
relieve discomfort and improve wellbeing, your family chiropractor has plenty of suggestions for getting better sleep. A
New Zealand study showed that nearly half of the people surveyed reported improved sleep after a programme of
chiropractic care.[3]
Dr Fairest adds: ` Your chiropractor may tell you which sleeping position is best for you, and whether a chiropractic
pillow or a new mattress might be the key to ending your restless nights.’
The National Sleep Foundation also points out that parents might consider chiropractic care for children with sleep
difficulties given that one in four babies has sleep troubles. It references research which suggests 40 percent of
infants experience deeper sleep after just one session with a chiropractor[4].
Dr Fairest says: `It goes without saying that once your baby is sleeping well, you’ll get a better night’s sleep too. A
recently published study reporting the use of chiropractic in the USA[5]found a substantial proportion of US adults used
chiropractic services along with their regular medical care over the past 12 months, and subsequently reported
associated positive outcomes for overall well-being and/or specific health problems.’
New Zealand’s chiropractors are taking the lead to inform, educate and inspire people to prevent pain and disability by
improving their posture, addressing spinal problems and engaging in physical activity.
[1](https://sleep.org/articles/chiropractic-sleep-relief/)
[2] Insomnia: does chiropractic help? J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2005 Mar-Apr;28(3):179-86. Jamison JR.
ends