Sleep is a critical component of our health. Our mental and physical health is impacted negatively when we are sleep deprived. Pain intensity is also increased when there is lack of sleep. During sleep, our body works to repair cells involved in muscle function, organ function and other critical processes of the body. If we are not sleeping, our body is not able to heal and repair from injuries or insults and pain can increase. Some ways that may help an individual sleep better include getting regular physical activity during the day, decreasing caffeine intake and avoiding screen time 1-2 hours prior to bed. It is also important to assess how supportive an individual’s mattress is, if the mattress is older and no longer holding support, this can impact sleep negatively and may be difficult finding a comfortable position. Increasing pillow support for neck, hips and back may help improve sleep if an individual suffers from aches and pains that keep them up at night. Lack of sleep can also be due to breathing complications. Individuals who wake up tired and fatigued and have noticed difficulty breathing at night should follow up with their doctor as they may have sleep apnea and may require further testing. Physical therapy can be beneficial for those individuals dealing with pains and aches making it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Follow up with your physical therapist for further information if you are suffering from sleep loss. These PT Pro Tips are brought to you by our Elm Grove Therapist, Sarah Heitman, PT, DPT. Outside of work Sarah loves spending time with family, hiking, cross country skiing, playing tennis, disc golf and traveling around the world. She has a passion for traveling and exploring new places. You can catch Sarah having a good time at local Zumba classes, where she really enjoys dancing.
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