A Good Night's Sleep

Wish you could sleep like a baby?

Massage and Sleep

What are sleep Disorders?

Sleep disorders are a collection of problems including insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and circadian rhythm disruption that make it difficult to get enough sleep, or to wake up feeling rested and refreshed.

How to recognize a sleep disorder?

The primary symptom of sleep disorders is excessive daytime sleepiness.  If this continues for a prolonged period, a weakened immune system, memory and concentration loss, and an increased risk of automotive or on-the-job accidents may occur.

How massage helps

Sleep disorders indicate massage.  Bodywork may not correct a mechanical or psychological dysfunction that leads to sleep deprivation, but it can improve the quality of sleep and can reduce the mental and physical stresses that may interfere with sleep.
Anyone who experiences restless nights and persistent daytime sleepiness appreciates the opportunity to "tune out" while they receive bodywork.  Some studies indicate that massage increases the time spent in Stage 3 or 4 restorative sleep, which decreases pain sensations and speeds healing.  Massage can improve the quality of sleep for insomniac clients, and although it does not reverse sleep apnea, a massage therapist may be the first person to bring the habit of not breathing and then gasping to a client's attention.

Taken from: Werner, Ruth, A Massage Therapist's Guide to Pathology.  Baltimore, MD. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2005

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