If you have been struggling with falling asleep or staying asleep, you're not alone. Many people deal with insomnia and often turn to using medication or other techniques to help them asleep. However, you might want to try a natural remedy, such as massage therapy. Here are some ways massage therapy can help you get better sleep.

Massage Can Help Produce Melatonin

The first way massage may help you with your insomnia is by producing more melatonin, which is a chemical you can produce naturally in your body to help you sleep. This is done by producing serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that helps to boost your mood and decrease anxiety and depression, which often lead to insomnia. When you get massage therapy, your body produces more serotonin, which can then lead to the production of melatonin. If you have chronic sleeping problems, more melatonin in your body could mean better sleep each night.

The Relaxation Caused by Massage Improves Sleep

Another benefit of massage therapy for insomnia is that your entire body is more relaxed, further helping you to get better sleep. With different massage techniques, your body and mind become more relaxed, including with better circulation, relaxed muscles, and less stress and anxiety. The massage therapist can also use lavender oil during the massage session, which only adds to the ultimate relaxation you experience. Don't be surprised if you fall asleep during the massage itself, as that is quite common. If the lavender makes a big difference, they might recommend using it at home for aromatherapy to increase your restfulness.

A Variety of Techniques May Be Used

Let your massage therapist know you are having trouble sleeping, and they will use certain techniques that are known to relax your body and mind. This includes massaging your back muscles with a kneading technique, massaging your hips and spine to increase comfort while you are laying down, and relieving leg muscle cramps by using gliding techniques up and down the legs and thighs. It is also important to let the massage therapist know if your sleep issues are due to specific parts of your body that are in pain or causing you sleep disturbance, such as if you have severe neck or shoulder pain, making it hard to sleep, or you suffer from headaches. They can adjust the massage for these types of ailments.

Your insomnia might not be improved after the first session, but require regular massage therapy sessions to find relief.

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