The Cause of Insomnia and How Massage Therapy Helps

 

 

Insomnia, the inability to sleep, is one of the most common complaints among people seeking treatment from massage therapists as an alternative treatment. According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 50 million Americans suffer from chronic insomnia, but few know that their lack of sleep could be caused by a medical condition or injury that can be treated by massage therapy. This article will give you all the information you need to know about insomnia and how massage therapy helps those suffering from it.

Introduction

A lot of people suffer from insomnia at some point in their lives. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that roughly one-third of all American adults have sleep or wakefulness disorder regularly. And according to WebMD, approximately 40 million Americans have chronic insomnia lasting more than three months. If you are experiencing problems sleeping, you are not alone. While there are many different causes of insomnia (stress, anxiety, depression, etc.), it’s important to remember that if you feel like your sleeplessness is interfering with your life—or even if it’s just keeping you up at night—it’s time to speak with a medical professional about your options. If other treatment options aren’t working for you, massage therapy may be able to help ease symptoms of insomnia. First though: What is causing your sleeplessness? Here are some common causes along with possible solutions

A brief history of sleep deprivation

Early human history reveals an odd fact. While we are a species that regularly sleeps, historical records show that we sleep less today than we did thousands of years ago. In hunter-gatherer tribes, members slept up to 9 hours every night; today, we get only 6 or 7 hours. Why? Though medicine doesn’t have a conclusive answer to that question yet, several theories are floating around.

Causes of insomnia

One common condition that can make it difficult to fall asleep is known as restless leg syndrome (RLS). RLS causes painful sensations in your legs when they are at rest. Other symptoms include burning/stinging in parts of your body other than legs; uncomfortable feelings in both legs; limb movements or jerking limbs when lying down; falling asleep easily only to wake up moments later unable to go back to sleep. Other factors that can contribute to insomnia are caffeinated, and stimulant beverages, medications, injuries, or medical-related issues. When I speak with people about their experience with sleeping difficulties, one thing becomes very clear: each person has a very different experience with what’s going on physically and emotionally within their bodies. Each person has a unique cause for why they cannot get a good night’s sleep.

How Massage Therapy Helps

Massage Therapy has been shown to increase heart rate variability, lower blood pressure, help relax tense muscles, increase alertness, improve concentration, decrease fatigue during waking hours. and improve general health, which can lead to better sleep for those suffering from insomnia. It increases endorphins which have sedative properties. These hormones naturally increase when your body experiences stress relief. It also increases the immediate production of melatonin which is our body’s natural sedative. Not only does it promote sleepiness, but it also regulates our circadian rhythm so that we fall asleep at the right time every night. Getting regular massages will keep you healthier and happier during waking hours which translates into better sleep overall!

Conclusion

In conclusion, lack of sleep is linked to an increased risk for developing a range of medical conditions, as well as impaired cognitive functioning. Fortunately, there are several evidence-based therapies including massage therapy available to help with insomnia.

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