This is the first article in a series on “Your Health.” “Your Health” is also available in video format Youtube-Missoula Chiropractor. I am Dr. Shaun Stuto an author, speaker and Missoula chiropractor. Over a series of articles we will dissect and explore the various factors which contribute to wellness. We hear this token buzzword “wellness” all the time on television and in newspapers/magazines. Nobody is spending a lot of time defining it however. In simple terms, wellness is the point along the health spectrum that lies between “excellence” and “perfection.” It is the polar opposite of death and disease. Wellness is a journey and not a destination. The joy and fulfillment is in the process and implementation of certain actions and behaviors that make up a “well” person. The factors that make up a well person might include a good height:weight ration, low blood pressure, a healthy diet, active lifestyle and low mental stress. When does excellent health become perfect? There is no exact point when it can be distinguished.
Sleep is the first aspect of wellness we will explore. The most important aspect of wellness is a nervous system free of disturbance. This is made possible through a well adjusted spine. The spine houses and protects the nervous system. When a person becomes stressed chemically, physically or emotionally, this can create a disturbance to the nervous system which only a chiropractor can detect and correct. The second most important aspect of health is a tie between a healthy diet and proper sleep. How much sleep do you need to feel your best in the morning? How much sleep are you actually getting per night? How many nights per week? It is common for me to have patients tell me they are experiencing an 80-120 hour/month sleep deprivation. These people feel the best on 7-9 hours of sleep per night and they average only 5-6. Does this sound like you perhaps?
The effects of this type of sleep deprivation are massive. This type of person has no energy. They are irritable and stressed. Often this type of patient is driven to be the perfect worker, the perfect spouse, the perfect parent, the perfect child etc… It is no surprise that this type of person cannot maintain this lifestyle forever. They often develop inexplicable symptoms such as aches and pains. The most common areas of pain show up in the neck and lower back. What is the quickest way to make a person slow down and rest? Low back pain! When the low back goes out, you go down and have to rest. The body has the innate intelligence to know when and how to put you down and force you to rest.
How much sleep is enough? The average person needs between 7-9 hours of sleep on average. If you need less than 6 hours see a doctor. If you need more than 9 hours see a psychologist. There could be underlying issues of depression and emotional stress contributing to your need for escape from reality.
Comfort is the most important aspect of sleep. If you aren’t sleeping well, you will not heal. You will not recover from workouts, stress, and life. We all lead high stress and high paced lives and we must maximize the time we get in bed. I coined the phrase “invest in your rest!” It means spend the money for a high quality bed. Make price a non-issue. You will thank me for it!
For Dr. Shaun Stuto, the Sleep Number bed is the best choice. We spend 1/3rd of our lives in bed. Shouldn’t we ensure that we get the highest quality rest? Of course! The beauty of the Sleep Number bed is that the firmness is independently adjustable from side to side. This is the answer for couples with different mattress preference. Now one person isn’t left to toss and turn. Both parties can benefit from sleeping on their customized mattress firmness. How many households spend $1000’s on a fancy couch and flat screen T.V. but want to get away with a $300 bed. It just doesn’t add up. How old is your bed? Where did you get it? If you don’t even have answers to these questions, don’t read another line. Go buy the bed now! Invest in YOUR rest!
You have now heard the essentials of sleep. Ensure you are getting 7-9 hours sleep on the highest quality bed. A sleep deficiency or poor quality of sleep can have devastating effects on a persons body, emotions and overall health. In fact, a poor nights sleep could be leaving you stressed and craving sugar. A lack of quality sleep could actually be making you fat!
Make health and wellness a top priority now. You owe it to yourself. Ensure optimal function of your nervous system by committing to regular chiropractic care. Implement a regular exercise routine and healthier eating habits. Last, get more sleep and a higher quality of sleep through a top quality bed. Aim for 7-9 hours of undisturbed sleep on a consistent schedule each night. Go to bed within 1/2 hour of your scheduled time each night and get up at the same time every day. When you follow this simple plan you will experience unbelievable changes in the way you feel, your energy and your attitude.
This is “Your Health.” I am Dr. Shaun Stuto and I wish you a life of abundance.
Dr. Shaun Stuto is a chiropractors Missoula MT and proud to be a chiropractors Missoula MT. Call Transformation Chiropractic in Missoula MT Today (406) 728-1250 to book an appointment.