SLEEP
Why is sleep so important?
We spend a third of our lives asleep, and two-thirds of us are struggling to get a good night’s sleep.
Sleep is something that we all need, and the quality of sleep we get can have a great impact on our daily lives as well as our recovery from injury, post-surgery, or illness.
When we are well rested, we are usually more productive, nicer to be around, and generally better at handling the challenges of the day.
About our director Sammy
Sammy Margo qualified as a Chartered Physiotherapist in 1988 and developed a special interest in sleep and its impact on recovery from training, injury, post-surgery and illness.
Sammy worked clinically and is uniquely positioned to understand how sleep impacts on recovery.
From sleep positions all the way through to sleep hygiene, beds, bedrooms, pillows, food for sleep.
She has written two books on sleep, The Good Sleep Guide and The Good Sleep Guide for Kids, which was published by Random House (now Penguin).
Sammy has also worked as a brand ambassador for many sleep-related brands, including Nike, Adidas, Huawei, British Airways and many other fitness and lifestyle brands.
She appears daily in the newspapers and female consumer magazines as well as on TV and radio.
She is available for media comment at sallymorganpr@gmail.com.
What can Sleep Physiotherapy do?
Physiotherapy aims to enhance or restore the function of multiple body systems. Professional physiotherapists are committed to their patient's health, lifestyle and quality of life. This holistic approach incorporates a broad range of physical and physiological therapeutic interventions. Simply put, your physiotherapist is a specialist mechanic for the human body. A physiotherapist uses natural physical approaches to promote, maintain and restore your well-being so that you can perform and enjoy your chosen sport, work or everyday activities.
Physiotherapists look at the body as a whole in order to determine why patients are not getting as restful a night as they need. After asking questions to determine if there are any external factors such as stress or worry causing sleep issues, physiotherapists can examine you physically to make sure your posture is not hindering your rest.
Poor sleep can lead to stress, anxiety and depression. Improving your sleep can help with reducing pain, reducing muscle tension, and improving immune function, mood, energy and overall general health. It is a good idea to develop a ‘sleep routine’––in the evenings you should start a consistent wind-down routine which can help you fall asleep more quickly and reliably.
Exercise also helps with sleep, and your physiotherapist can work with you to develop a program to increase your activity. Engaging in exercise under the advice of a physiotherapist has the added benefit of helping to work out in a way that minimises the strain on your body, thus reducing the risk of injuries that could also disrupt your sleep.
For a restful night and a stress-free day, you could also try a few relaxation exercises as well. This is highly recommended if you wake up during the night and can’t get back to sleep.
The possible reason behind your back pain may be your poor choice of mattress and pillow combination. Improving your sleep starts by choosing a bed that will support your spine and body.
Depending on your sleeping habits, your pillows also must provide adequate neck, spine or shoulder support. Our qualified physiotherapists at SMARTPHYSIO should be able to recommend pillows and beds to fit your current needs and refer you to sleep specialists if necessary.
What next?
At SMARTPHYSIO, it is our goal to provide you with the highest quality treatment, so you can return to the activities you enjoy in life. We work with you in not only how to recover from your current injury, but also how to prevent them in the future.
During your first visit to SMARTPHYSIO, your physiotherapist will do a thorough assessment of the situation either in your home or in the clinic.
We will then develop an individualised treatment strategy that matches your personal goals and improves your overall well-being.
Are you looking for a non-medicated way to improve the quality of your sleep? Call our clinic and find out how we can help you.
