A good night’s sleep is a great place to start for a productive, energy-filled day and a healthy body. Sleep boosts your immune system, improves mood and memory, and strengthens your heart.
However, despite its many benefits, good sleep can be elusive, and many people suffer from a lack of sleep or sleeping disorders. The average adult needs between seven and nine hours of sleep each day, but it can be difficult for some people to reach that amount. While prescription medications can help improve sleep patterns, there are also natural ways to induce sleep and get better rest.
The major causes of poor sleeping habits are stress, anxiety and pain. Below, we’ll discuss how massage therapy can help alleviate these issues and give you a great night’s sleep.
Massage therapy
Massage therapy is the manipulation of your body’s soft tissues by registered massage therapists or certified medical professionals who apply controlled pressure to work your tissues, muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. This action eases tension, enhances function and reduces pain by moving and loosening the muscles and connective tissues. Massage therapy has also been found to:
Reduce stress: Massage therapy environments are designed to help you unwind. From the décor to the lighting, all elements come together to make you feel relaxed and comfortable.
Increase relaxation: Massage targets specific areas of the body to release and relax any muscle tightness or knots. Muscle tightness or knots result from – and lead to – tension in other parts of the body, causing discomfort and pain. Massage can relieve you of this discomfort, relaxing you and making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep longer.
Improve blood flow: A good massage can increase blood flow, relieve consistently cold feet and lessen swelling in the legs caused by physical activity. The pressure applied through massage pushes blood through congested areas and boosts circulation, allowing new, oxygen-rich blood to flow to tense, damaged muscles and speed healing.
Boost immune function: A single 45-minute massage can increase the body’s production of lymphocytes, also known as white blood cells. These white blood cells fight off diseases by producing antibodies.
Encourage melatonin production: Melatonin, a hormone produced in the brain, plays a significant role in regulating sleep-wake activity and managing anxiety, happiness and overall mood. Massage therapy’s relaxing and calming effects can boost the production of serotonin (a chemical produced by nerve cells) which, in turn, stimulates the production of melatonin.
Types of massages
There are different massages and techniques to help with specific conditions or issues. Here are a few types that can help you get better sleep:
Swedish massage: One of the most common massage treatments, this technique involves kneading, rolling, vibrating and tapping the soft tissues.
Deep tissue massage: As the name suggests, this massage uses harder pressure and deeper strokes to get down into the deep layers of muscle and connective tissues. Deep tissue massages are used to break down scarred tissue and knots.
Sports massage: You might think the benefits of a sports massage are limited to athletic activities. However, sports massages increase blood flow, soothe sore muscles, relieve tension and increase your sense of well-being, all of which can help you get a better night’s rest.
Registered massage therapists in Langley and North Vancouver
Massage therapy is a great way to help improve your sleep quality. Massages ease tension and relax the body, allowing for better – and longer – rest.
Speak with a registered massage therapist at Movéo Sport and Rehabilitation Centre to determine which type of massage is best for you or to learn more about the treatment options available. Call us in Langley at 604-371-4771 or in North Vancouver at 604-984-8731, or book a consultation online today.
