Sleep Better - Feel Better

Posted: January 15th, 2016

It has been estimated that humans spend approximately one third of their life sleeping. Getting sufficient sleep is as important to maintaining good health as is a healthy diet and exercise. When people get sufficient sleep, their blood pressure and heart rate drop. When they don't get sufficient sleep, their body is in a constant fight or flight mode.   Research has shown that individuals who are over the age of 45 and get less than the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep drastically increase their chances of heart failure. Doctors recommend that young children get 12 hours or more of sleep every day. Teenagers need around 9 hours of sleep, adults between 7 to 8, and seniors at least 6 hours.  A busy and active lifestyle makes it difficult for people to develop good sleep habits. When they do schedule enough time to actually lay down in bed, insomnia and worries prevent them from sleeping well. Many have turned to massage as a way of improving the duration and depth of their sleep with the goal of developing healthy living standards.  

Massage Therapy and Sleep

There is growing scientific evidence that massage therapy can help a person improve their sleep habits. Research performed by the Mayo Clinic, for example, shows that this form of therapy minimizes the stress that leads to insomnia. This includes things like anxiety, headaches, and digestive disorders.   The National Institute of Health shows that getting regular massages are beneficial for infants, adults, and the elderly who are having problems sleeping. Massage helps people sleep for a longer period of time and reach a deeper state of sleep, thereby restoring the damage that their bodies endured during waking hours.   Massages are a part of healthy living. They are a smart, drug-free option for individuals who are battling insomnia. They can increase a person's serotonin levels and help them to get the rest they need to function well during the day.