For some, sleep is an effortless act of getting daily rest. For others, it is a restless pursuit of counting sheep, purchasing sleep aids and hopeless nights.
According to scientific studies at the AASM (American Academy of Sleep Medicine), sleep is one of the three pillars of living a healthy life along with nutrition and exercise. Many individuals getting less than seven hours of deep sleep are often the sufferers of anxiety, depression, stress, chronic fatigue and pain, fibromyalgia, restless legs syndrome and of course, insomnia.
So, what role does massage play in our sleep habits and brain functionality?
Clinical studies and EEG readings show that people of all ages receiving regular massage therapy spend more time in slow wave sleep where restorative delta brain waves are most prominent, growth hormones are made, metabolic waste is cleared and tissues are repaired.
Massage in many ways could be considered a gateway to sleep. Here’s how:
The AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) research shows that massage decreases high cortisol, a stress hormone that interferes with deep sleep. Massage increases reward motivating/mood stabilizing neurotransmitters like Dopamine and Serotonin. Serotonin then gets converted to Melatonin… naturally.
Massage is a passive workout which increases Endorphins …those “feel good” hormones that are natural pain relievers! Endorphins have an opioid-like effect in that they decrease our perception of pain.
Massage lowers our bodies fight or flight (sympathetic system) response. This creates the ideal environment for the mind/body to relax in what we call rest and digest (parasympathetic system).
During a Swedish massage (which gradually slows brain activity), the body is in a conscious state of relaxation much like that of meditation. This naturally increases Alpha brain waves (calm and relaxed). Beta brain waves decrease (quieting racing thoughts) and Delta brain waves increase causing a reduction in fatigue-slowing stress and strengthening the immune system.
Massage is also know to enhance cognitive performance, stimulating oxygenation, nutrients and circulation to tight muscles which can improve posture.
WWII studies proved that touch is biologically necessary to survive in humans and monkeys. Many infants although given food and meds failed to thrive without touch.
During that time, Scientist Rene’ Spitz and Scientist/Psychologist Harry Harlow both found that touch deprivation (skin hunger) can cause depression, anxiety, social dysfunction and weak immune systems. Touch equals bonding and survival in babies, and in adults it activates a sense of emotional safety and belonging.
The human body is an amazing creation. When we view it as the holistic (whole body) we can clearly understand that the outer sensory is connected to the inner systems. Therapeutic touch/massage is a low cost, non invasive, non pharmaceutical way to help us feel better, sleep deeper and live healthier lives. Massage therapy is a critical choice for overall health and well being.
Begin a whole body habit today! You are worth it.
