More and more research backs up the fact that sleep is an essential component of overall good health. Unhealthy sleep habits only make for miserable days but also puts us at risk for more serious health conditions such as depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
For some people, getting the proper amount of quality sleep is not an option. There are several different types of sleep disorders, all of which can be equally disruptive to one's life. New research suggests that, though they differ, they may all share a root cause.
Common Types of Sleep Disorders
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, characterized by the inability to sleep. Some people suffering from this problem have trouble falling asleep at all. Others with insomnia may fall asleep but not stay asleep long enough; they may wake prematurely and then remain awake, or they may wake frequently throughout the night.
Hypersomnia is when a person falls asleep so deeply that it is difficult to wake up the person. Hypersomniacs may sleep too long or may find themselves getting sleepy during the day despite getting sleep at night.
Narcolepsy is a condition in which people may suffer sudden tiredness and attacks of deep sleep. Hypersomnia is a symptom of narcolepsy.
Sleep apnea is an obstructive sleep disorder. Due to interruptions in breathing, patients wake up frequently throughout the night. For some patients, disruptions may occur every few minutes throughout the night. Often, sleep apnea patients won't fully wake up, but their breathing problems keep them continually returning to a lighter state of sleep and prevents them from getting the deep, restorative sleep they need.
How the Upper Cervical Spine Affects Sleep
The upper cervical spine begins at the base of the skull, in close proximity to the brain stem. The brain stem regulates all of the body's involuntary functions, like sleeping and breathing.
When the vertebrae of the upper cervical spine are misaligned, it causes inflammation and swelling that can compress nerves running from the brain stem. When nerves are compressed it can disrupt the flow of signals or cause them to misfire.
The upper cervical spine runs through the neck—a vulnerable area prone to injury. Even minor jolts or poor posture can cause a misalignment of the vertebrae in the neck.
How We Treat Sleep Disorders
There are many treatments for sleep disorders that people may try, such as medication, lifestyle changes, or environmental controls. We offer a treatment that gets to the potential root cause of the problem: upper cervical care.
Dr. Gordon Elder is our upper cervical specialist at the Blair Chiropractic Clinic in Lubbock, Texas. The Blair Chiropractic Technique is a modern method that involves the use of high-tech diagnostic tools to help the doctor make more precise corrections. The Blair technique is a safe, natural, drug-free treatment for sleep disorders.
Dr. Elder begins treatment with 3D diagnostic imaging scans to help him examine your unique anatomy and make calculations. He then treats misalignments with gentle, low-force pressure to restore proper alignment. Once the spine is realigned, the body's natural healing processes can proceed and nerve function can resume.
As a preventative measure, Dr. Elder recommends patients continue chiropractic check-ups as a part of their overall health and wellness routine. This helps patients from slipping back into old problems and nips any issues in the bud.
Call Dr. Elder to see if he can help you with your sleep disorder. Our areas of coverage include Lubbock, Amarillo, Midland, Odessa, Abilene, and El Paso in Texas, as well as Hobbs in New Mexico.
Published by Vic Belonogoff: A Blair Chiropractic doctor helped heal vertigo, among other conditions that Vic Belonogoff suffered from, and it gave him his life back. He continues to see an upper cervical chiropractor as a preventative measure. Vic Belonogoff is passionate about upper cervical chiropractic and how much it helps patients.