The Importance of Sleep — and 3 Simple Ways to Improve Yours

We all know that sleep is important, but few of us truly understand just how crucial it is to our health, performance, and resilience. At Aceso Chiropractic, we often see patients struggling with back pain, headaches, or general tension, who are also not sleeping well — and it can quickly become a vicious cycle.

Sleep is the time when your body heals, repairs, and recharges. Poor sleep can make you more sensitive to pain, affect your mood and concentration, and even lower your immune system’s ability to fight illness. On the flip side, good-quality sleep can help you feel more energised, cope better with stress, and even support your body’s response to chiropractic care.

The good news? Small changes in your routine and environment can make a big difference to the quality of your sleep. Here are three simple but powerful tips to help you rest better:

1. Set a Consistent Sleep Schedule

Your body has an internal clock — your circadian rhythm — which thrives on consistency. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day (yes, even at weekends!) helps regulate your hormones and improves the quality of your sleep.

Try to work out when you feel naturally sleepy in the evening and aim to build your bedtime around that. Even shifting your schedule by 15–30 minutes earlier can help if you’re currently staying up too late.

2. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment

Light, noise, and even the temperature of your bedroom can affect how deeply you sleep. A cool, dark, and quiet room is best for most people.

Consider blackout curtains, an eye mask, or earplugs if your environment is noisy or bright. Keep screens (phones, tablets, TVs) out of the bedroom if you can — the blue light they emit can trick your brain into thinking it’s daytime and make it harder to drift off.

3. Wind Down Properly Before Bed

It’s no surprise that going straight from checking emails to bed doesn’t lead to great sleep. Giving your body and mind time to wind down is key.

Try establishing a calming pre-sleep routine: dim the lights, read a book, listen to gentle music, or practise some deep breathing or gentle stretching. Even 15 minutes of winding down can help you fall asleep more easily and sleep more deeply.

If you’re struggling with sleep, don’t ignore it — it’s just as important to your health as eating well and exercising. At Aceso Chiropractic, we’re here to support your overall wellbeing, not just your back or neck. If you’d like to talk about how chiropractic care could complement your efforts to sleep and feel better, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

The content of this blog is for educational purposes and is not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it.