Can a Massage Help You Sleep Better?

Go ahead and book that deep shiatsu massage session. Indulging in a massage at the end of a tough week isn’t just a nice way to wind down—it’s also been shown to improve sleep, according to numerous studies. Surprising? Maybe not, considering that baby massage is one of the first techniques used to help infants sleep. But what you may be amazed by is just how beneficial a little R&R on the massage table can be for your sleep.

It Helps You Relax.

If you’re kept up at night worrying about financial problems, a rocky relationship, or other stressful issues, a massage may be the key to sounder sleep. Regular massage sessions have been found to decrease depression and anxiety levels and improve sleep quality, perhaps because they trigger the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can help you feel calm.The technique has been found to benefit children and adolescents, as well.

It Decreases Pain.

Not only can a body rub bring stress levels down, but it may also help ease pain. In fact, people with low back pain who had 30-minute massage sessions twice a week for five weeks reported a decrease in pain and fewer sleep disturbances. This may be due to the fact that massage encourages more time spent in the deep, restorative stages of sleep, where your body hardly moves.

If professional massage sessions aren’t feasible, there are alternatives. Massage chairs and pillows are one option, but the most cost-effective method is to recruit your partner as your massage therapist. Win him or her over with this fact: A gentle, three-minute back rub could help you log more than 35 minutes of extra sleep. You can even offer one in return. It doesn’t have to be anything complicated—after all, you don’t want your partner to do anything that might accidentally cause pain, since he or she is not a trained professional. So keep it simple. Lie on your side or stomach and ask your significant other to make slow, circular motions with his or her fingertips, starting at the base of your spine and working up. You’ll be out like a light in no time.

Article Source: www.sleep.org

This blog does not provide medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on Mattressdepotusa.com. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.

Read More