Many people require physical therapy at certain points in their lives, whether they\u2019ve recently had surgery or they\u2019d like to alleviate pain associated with an injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But one beneficial byproduct of physical therapy you may not have considered is improving your sleep. And in turn, quality sleep can make your physical therapy even more effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ahead, we\u2019ll explore in more detail the link between physical therapy and sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSleep possesses a power that is often underestimated,\u201d says Nicki Evans, doctor of physical therapy and owner of Stride Physical Therapy and Wellness<\/a>. \u201cIt plays a crucial role in healing, restoring function, and facilitating nutrition recovery.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Evans explains that physical therapy also contributes to the healing process. “When a client enjoys a restful night’s sleep, they are better equipped to carry out the tasks assigned by a physical therapist,” she says. “Their movements are more coordinated, they are more engaged, and their outlook overall tends to be more positive.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Evans adds that furthermore, sleep aids in pain management since lower levels of pain increase a person\u2019s willingness to engage in the prescribed exercises and movement patterns recommended by their physical therapist. This pain management can also boost\u00a0sleep quality<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPhysical therapists can provide guidance on optimal sleeping positions<\/a>, which can further enhance the quality of sleep,\u201d Evans notes. \u201cAdditionally, physical therapy can improve joint mobility, eliminating limitations in lying flat and ultimately improving sleep quality.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical studies have explored the connection between pain and sleep and the impact physical therapy can have on sleep. For instance, according to one\u00a02017 study<\/a>, it was proven that without adequate sleep, people could feel pain more deeply and were at an increased risk for injuries and falls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A\u00a02021 study<\/a>, meanwhile,\u00a0found that physical therapy could be an effective tool when managing\u00a0sleep disorders<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep apnea<\/a>\u00a0is a sleep disorder that has three main variations, with the most common being obstruction of the airway. It’s possible that physical therapy may be beneficial for those with sleep apnea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAs a physical therapist, we understand that while we cannot directly change the size of the airway, our services can still be beneficial to clients with sleep apnea,\u201d Evans says. \u201cIndirect measures can be taken to ensure that the airway is as spacious as possible.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n These measures include weight loss, particularly for individuals with high body weights, as well as optimal head positioning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While there are no specific physical therapy exercises for sleep apnea, there are exercises that can indirectly benefit those with sleep apnea, through improving posture and aiding in weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor improving posture, some exercises that can be included are rows and chin tucks, among others,\u201d Evans says. \u201cThese exercises focus on strengthening the muscles responsible for maintaining a correct posture, which can ultimately alleviate the symptoms of sleep apnea.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for weight loss, Evans says there are many exercise options available. “Endurance activities such as walking<\/a> or biking can be effective in burning calories and shedding excess weight,” she notes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Evans also cautions that it\u2019s crucial to consult with a professional while designing an exercise program tailored to your needs and capabilities to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One important recommendation Evans has for prioritizing sleep is to establish a consistent bedtime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhen we maintain a regular sleep schedule, our bodies are able to adjust and optimize the healing process during sleep,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additionally, Evans encourages her clients to find a pillow<\/a> or a soft object, such as a donut ring or a travel\/neck pillow, that provides them with the utmost comfort throughout the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFor individuals who sleep on their side<\/a>, it can be beneficial to use a pillow between their knees,\u201d she says. \u201cThis helps to support the legs, reducing strain on the hips and back. As a result, they may experience less pain and stiffness when they wake up in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since sleep helps the body heal and aids in decreasing pain, it can ultimately help someone have even more successful physical therapy sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep aids in pain management as lower levels of pain increase a person\u2019s willingness to engage in the prescribed exercises and movement patterns recommended by their physical therapist, says Evans. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPhysical therapy for sleep apnea<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to prioritize sleep while doing physical therapy<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How does sleep affect physical therapy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Why is sleep important for physical therapy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can PT help insomnia?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n