Quality sleep is critical for both physical and emotional well-being. Studies have indicated that persistent sleep deprivation is linked to many chronic ailments, including heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Studies show that massage therapy effectively treats insomnia and various chronic diseases. Many individuals like a massage for its calming effects, but they may be unaware of its many other health benefits. People who receive massage therapy feel more at ease and happy. Therapy given by trained professionals can help alleviate pain, muscle tiredness, anxiety, and depression among other things. Natural and drug-free Massage Therapy is an excellent way to improve one’s entire health and well being.
Is Massage Therapy a Sleep Aid?
There are two main ways that massage might help you sleep better. In the first place, this can be done by reducing stress. A lack of sleep can be caused by stress.
- Massage relieves stress by reducing the stress hormone Cortisol and raising the feel-good neurotransmitters Serotonin and Dopamine (neurotransmitters that help stabilize mood).
- Massage can help you sleep better by reducing stress and increasing relaxation.
The other way is that massage therapy can also achieve pain and tension relief from injuries or stress.
- There might be a vicious loop created by chronic pain and little sleep. Chronic pain can make it difficult to find a sleeping position that is both pleasant and safe.
- Effective pain management may positively impact one’s ability to sleep. Various types of pains, including headaches, neck and back pain, arthritis, and pain following a surgery can be reduced by massage therapy.
TIP: If you have trouble sleeping because of pain, you should consult a doctor to see if massage therapy or other therapies, such as changing your mattress and pillows, might be able to assist.
There are numerous health benefits of receiving regular massage therapy.
Hormonal Benefits
A study found that the subjects’ biochemistry improved due to therapy. A decrease in cortisol was noticed as an increase in dopamine and serotonin. Hormones that regulate your sleep-wake cycle include these. Your mood, well-being, and happiness are all influenced by serotonin. It has an impact on cells in the body. A critical component of the nervous system is inter-cellular communication. The benefits extend beyond sleep to include better digestion and more restful eating. Serotonin supports anxiety, depression, wound healing, and bone health. Having a normal level of serotonin might improve your mood and concentration.
Sleep deprivation
Sleep deprivation, often known as insomnia, is the inability or unwillingness to sleep for any length of time. There are two types: acute, which lasts for a few days, and chronic, lasting for several months. Primary insomnia is a form of sleep deprivation with no known reason. It affects some persons. Another classification for this type of sleeplessness is “secondary insomnia,” which refers to insomnia that has an underlying medical problem.
As a result of massage, people are much more likely to experience relaxation and a positive outlook on life. Moreover, natural and drug-free massage therapy is an excellent way to improve one’s general health and well being. Serotonin is thought to be a communication molecule used by a brain region that aids in the body’s ability to achieve a profound state of relaxation during sleeping. Melatonin is also made in the brain using serotonin. Melatonin instructs the brain to slow down and prepare for sleep.
Variety of Sleep Disorder
A variety of sleep disorders have been improved by massage therapy, such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. Ask your doctor for advice when looking at massage therapy if you suffer from any kind of sleep disturbance.
More Restful Nights’ Sleep
According to a study, people with lower back discomfort who received 30-minute massages twice a week for five weeks experienced less pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. This could be a result of massage therapy’s ability to induce deep, restorative sleep.
A massage is not only a one-time indulgence but a way to improve one’s overall health and well-being. Massage therapy can transform your daily routine and lessen the burden of a stressful week.
