Too Tired to Sleep? The Amazing Ways Massage Can Help.
Have you experienced the feeling of being so dog-tired that you’re positive you’ll be asleep before your head hits the pillow, only to lay awake all night and end up not at all rested the next day?
Maybe you’ve had a fun-filled but exhausting weekend (ACL Fest anyone?) or a particularly taxing week at work. Or maybe you’ve taken your workout to the next level and now you are worn out and ready for sleep… but can’t. Most of us have experienced this conundrum but did you know that massage can be the answer to a good night’s sleep?
Research shows that massage will benefit both those who experience sleepless nights just once in a while, as well as those with chronic insomnia.
Relax Muscles / Calm Nerve Endings:
Sometimes we can power through the day barely noticing our tired/sore muscles, but when we finally lay down to sleep, those achy muscles makes it hard for us to fully relax. Sleep can be compromised. Massage works to relax the soft tissue of muscles, tendons and ligaments, which in turn releases and quiets the nerves surrounding those tissues, making restful sleep possible.
Relax the Mind:
You’ll sleep easier if your mind is tranquil and massage can help. According to the Mayo clinic, massage can lower cortisol, the stress hormone, by up to 30 percent after just one 60-minute session!
Release Melatonin:
Melatonin is your body’s natural sleep-inducer. Massage is known to promote the release of serotonin, a feel-good hormone which stimulates the production of melatonin. Massage also helps the release of endorphins and dopamine, all of which help us feel-good, relax, and ultimately help us get a great night’s sleep.
With a full 7 to 8 hours of restful sleep each night, our bodies can heal, regenerate and rejuvenate.
A good night’s sleep boosts the body’s immune system. In a 2009 study, participants were exposed to the cold virus. Those getting a good, restful night’s sleep were 3 to 5 times more likely to beat the virus.
When our sleep is off, so are our circadian rhythms, which regulate our immune system and our ability to fight inflammation (a major contributor to illness and disease). Research shows that just one night of insufficient sleep can negatively impact our body’s natural ability to reduce inflammation.
During sleep, memories are reactivated, connections between brain cells are strengthened, and information is transferred from short to long-term. Sleep helps maximize cognition, concentration and memory. We need sleep to feed our high-level, innovative thinking and problem solving abilities.
Sleep helps enhance athletic performance. During sleep our body accelerates the building of muscle, strength, and endurance. Without proper sleep, athletes suffer from impaired recovery resulting in poor performance.
Massage plays an important part of our physical and mental well-being and should never be considered an indulgence or *treat*. It’s a vital part of recovery from the strain and stress of everyday life and will help you never again have to experience the frustration of being “too tired to sleep”.
To help you out, we’re extending our #ACL2019 massage promo for $20 off your massage good through October 18th. Use promo code 20MASSAGE when you book! Click here to schedule online, or call us at 512-614-2200.