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It is a fact that over a third of the world's population suffers from a lack of high-quality night sleep. This high number of people is due to lifestyle and behavior have resulted in an epidemic of Insomnia. If you are one of the ones who lay down at night to go to sleep but find yourself staring at the ceiling for hours before falling asleep only to hear your alarm clock going off shortly after. Perhaps you frequently wake up during the night or wake up not feeling refreshed in the morning irrespective of having had enough sleep; there is hope for you. It might be time for you to think about a massage chair.
CAN MASSAGE THERAPY IMPACT THE SLEEP QUALITY?
Massage therapy or any form of physical contact is inherently healthy, helpful, and healing. According to the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage can prevent illness, assist rehabilitation, improve circulation, and enhance muscle flexibility. It also deepens breathing, reduces stress and anxiety, relieves pain, reduces the side effects of many medications, enhances the quality of life, and can even be an adjunct to surgery.
But this is not all; according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), massage therapy can positively affect sleep. So to answer the question of whether or not massage therapy affects a person's sleep? The answer is yes.
WILL MASSAGE THERAPY HELP IN IMPROVING THE SLEEP TIME?
We all know that sleep is one of the most inconsistent things, as the more we desire to have it, the more it is difficult for us to get it. Whether you opt for a deep tissue massage or facial massage, one thing is for sure that you will feel relaxed at the end of the day. From struggling with sleep insomnia to having a beauty sleep, all you ever wanted to do is opt for massage therapy.
MASSAGE THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA
Struggling with sleep deprivation or Insomnia will not just leave you groggy but also lead you to face a considerable amount of physical, mental, and even emotional health conditions. With the help of massage therapy, you can keep yourself calm while maintaining a healthy body status. The following are some of how massage therapy can help you attain a healthy yet sound sleep.
Aches & Pains
One of the most prominent yet common reasons for waking up in the night is the pain caused in different parts of the body either due to laying in one particular direction or the lack of blood circulation, which tends to slow down when you sleep. In such cases, opting for a massage session will help relieve pain while relaxing the body muscles. In addition, it stimulates a healthy blood flow while reducing hypertension between the nerves. Ultimately, massage aids you in having a good and sound sleep while gradually healing the ache present on your neck, shoulder(s), or knee.
Stress & Anxiety
If you are suffering from a "Monkey Mind," don't worry. You are not the only one suffering from it. As per the American Psychological Association, approximately 45% of U.S. citizens have lost their precious sleep due to the anxiety and stress caused every day, reflecting on their sleep duration and sleep patterns. Initially, triggering a vicious cycle of sleep stress can destroy your calmness more and more.
One main reason is the excess release of stress hormones, including Cortisol. It is one of the primary yet most common stress hormones released. Simultaneously, stimulating our nervous system besides keeping us ready for any action. It is excellent under certain situations like this boost of energy can be used for tackling a challenge but similarly may not be effective when trying to have a sound sleep.
Opting for a regular massage session may help reduce the cortisol levels in the body while boosting the serotonin level in the body. Leading you a pathway from fight and flight to rest and digest in just a finger snap. Helping you control your stress hormones and keeping your mind relaxed, initially making you have a natural good night's rest.
PERIMENOPAUSE
More than 60% of women with menopause have reported having been going through Insomnia. Various reasons can initially lead to this, including hot flashes and night sweats; moreover, anxiety is more than enough to keep anyone awake while remaining restless.
Adding a regular massage session to your routine can significantly reduce the level of Insomnia in the body while reducing the hormone level of anxiety and depression.
TYPES OF MASSAGE THERAPY
Enormous types of massages have emerged, each involving a specific type of practice and goal. Yet, some of the most prominent massage therapies are as follows:
SWEDISH MASSAGE:
It is also termed a classic massage, and this massage form lays its main emphasis on relaxing the muscles while boosting blood circulation. In Swedish massage, different types of techniques are used, including kneading, rubbing, and tapping the concerned area.
MANIPULATION:
In this massage approach, various techniques are adopted for manipulating, from rubbing to stretching while moving ligaments and tendons to ensure the mobility of muscles.
DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE:
Though a deep tissue massage form can be painful yet it helps in relieving tension to the best. Your deep tissue massage therapist will apply hard pressure on the muscles, easing tension and stress. Initially, working out with the knots between the stressed & overworked muscles/ fascia, at the same time, promoting rapid healing by boosting blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
Craniosacral Therapy
This massage therapy tends to encourage the body in healing on its own by restoring the essential functionality - Cranial Rhythm. It tends to work by reducing the compensatory body movement trends while releasing tension and enabling the body to work actively and function.
Sports Massage Therapy
As an athlete or a professional sportsperson, you may need to visit a massage center now and then. The usual massage forms may not be as effective for you as they should be; due to the heavy amount of workout done immensely.
In such cases, opting for sports massage therapy is an optimal choice. It is a manual therapy specially designed to improve the performance of individuals while speeding the healing process. Your massage therapist will involve movements with deep strokes and sustained stretches while mobilizing your joints to reduce the pain and enhance the mobility among your muscles.
With the help of a physician, doctor, or massage therapist, you can determine the most appropriate massage therapy for you as per your conditions. If you struggle with insomnia or massage disorders, opting for any of the massage techniques mentioned above can help you resolve these issues.