Physical Therapy for a Better Night’s Sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep can feel impossible when your body is stiff, sore, or constantly uncomfortable. You toss and turn, wake up tired, and feel it all day long. Pain and sleep are closely connected and when one is off, the other usually suffers too. Rexburg physical therapy can play a big role in helping you sleep better by treating the root cause of physical discomfort. If you have tried new pillows, sleep routines, or over-the-counter remedies without much success, it might be time to look at how your body moves and feels during the day.
Pain Throughout the Night
Many people think of physical therapy as something for sports injuries or post-surgery recovery. But it can also help with everyday pain that interferes with sleep. A sore neck, tight back, or aching hips can all make it hard to get comfortable in bed. And the longer pain goes untreated, the harder it becomes to fall asleep and stay asleep. Physical therapists work to reduce pain, improve mobility, and strengthen muscles. They take a close look at how your body moves and where it’s holding tension. That allows them to create a plan to help your muscles relax and your joints move more freely. These are both so important if you are needing a restful night.
Physical Therapy and Sleep
Improving sleep through physical therapy does not happen overnight, but the process is simple and focused on long-term relief. Your therapist may include some or all of the following in your treatment:
- Gentle stretching to release tight muscles
- Posture training to ease pressure on your spine
- Strength exercises to support weak areas
- Relaxation techniques to calm the nervous system
- Positioning tips to improve how you sleep at night
You will also learn about habits and routines that support both your physical comfort and your sleep. That could mean adjusting how you sit during the day, how you stand at work, or how you unwind in the evening. All of this can be able to help you in the long run when it comes to your sleeping patterns.
Not Just About the Pain
Sometimes poor sleep comes from stress, anxiety, or feeling restless. Physical therapy is able to help with that, too. Moving your body during the day has been shown to improve mood and reduce stress. When your body feels more balanced, your mind often becomes more balanced as well.. Therapists can also teach simple breathing exercises and gentle movements to do before bed. These small changes can signal your body that it’s time to rest, making it easier to fall asleep naturally.
Start During the Day
If sleep has become a struggle and pain is part of the problem, physical therapy may be the missing piece. You can make massive improvements for your sleep if you start by preparing for it during the day. By helping your body move better, feel stronger, and hold less tension, therapy can set you up for deeper and more consistent rest. Good sleep should not feel out of reach! With the right support, you can get back to waking up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
