Insomnia

Rhys It has been my experience that many parents report improvements in their children's sleep patterns after chiropractic adjustments. Children and toddlers will often sleep on their way home after treatments. I treated one mother with a child who was projectile vomiting, after the first visit the baby slept for seven hours. With a few more treatments baby then settled into a good sleep routine. This is a common finding for most chiropractors.

Here are some research studies taken from chiropractic journals.

Disturbed sleeping patterns after birth

Insomnia in Children
A study 1996 by V Fryman, Journal of American Osteopathic Association

This was a study of 1250 babies, they were examined 5 days after birth. Of this group 211 infants exhibited symptoms of restlessness, sleeplessness and hyperactivity. They were classified 'nervous' children. An Osteopathic 'release' (a gentle stretch) of the neck region gave immediate relief. The infants quietened, sleep improved and crying reduced.

Adults - Sleep apnea

JVSR Journal of vertabral subxn research
Cervical Angles in Sleep Apnea Patients: A Retrospective Study
Graham J. Dobson, D.C.BIO , Robert H. I. Blanks, Ph.D.BIO , W.R. Boone, Ph.D., D.C.BIO , and Harold G. McCoy, D.C.BIO  [Vol 3, No. 1, p 1-15]

This study was undertaken to assess the Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS)  in patients with restriction of the neck (cervical kyphosis) particular consideration was given to the first two vertebra and the base of the skull. (atlas/axis/occiput).
The methods for assessing change, was to measure the number of sleep apneas that occurred per hour (" Respiratory Disturbance Index") differences between severity, sex, and age was noted.
These findings were then compare to patient x-rays with measurable angle changes between the vertebra of the upper cervical spine (atlas/axis/occiput).
It was found that there was an increased incidence of OSAS in those patients that had cervical kyphosis (poor neck curves) it was also noted that OSAS was worse in those patients that had an extended flexion (forward movement of the neck to the chest).

Chiropractic can help.
Many of us "learn to live" with our health issues. Nobody is going to give you a medal for putting up with your health problems!  So do something good for yourself and consider a drugless alternative.  With adults, often it almost impossible to get off addictive sleep medications once they have been started. So keeping 'spine wellness' is a great start.
Most people would not associate neck problems being a cause for poor sleep. They are more likely to blame their pillows! Chiropractors can offer real help. Call our office if you would like to talk more.