The Truth About Sleep: Are You Getting Enough Deep Rest?

We all know that sleep is important, but how often do we really think about the quality of our sleep? It’s not just about getting the recommended 7-9 hours—what really matters is how much deep, restorative sleep your body is getting each night.

If you wake up feeling groggy, struggle with mid-day crashes, or rely on caffeine just to function, chances are you’re not getting enough deep rest. So, what’s really going on when you sleep, and how can you improve it?

Understanding Deep Sleep: Why It Matters

Sleep isn’t just one long, uninterrupted process—it happens in stages. The two most important for your health are:

✅ Deep Sleep (Slow-Wave Sleep) – This is when your body repairs muscles, strengthens the immune system, and detoxifies the brain. If you don’t get enough deep sleep, your body never fully recovers.

✅ REM Sleep – This is when your brain processes emotions, solidifies memories, and supports cognitive function. Not enough REM sleep? You may feel scatterbrained, anxious, or emotionally drained.

If you’re not getting enough deep sleep, your body struggles to function at its best—leading to fatigue, hormone imbalances, weakened immunity, and even chronic pain.

Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Restorative Sleep

🚩 You wake up feeling just as tired as when you went to bed
🚩 You need multiple cups of coffee just to get through the morning
🚩 You toss and turn, or wake up frequently during the night
🚩 You experience brain fog, mood swings, or forgetfulness
🚩 You feel exhausted but can’t seem to fall asleep easily

How to Improve Your Sleep & Get More Deep Rest

The good news? There are natural, simple ways to improve your sleep quality and get the deep rest your body craves.

1. Align Your Sleep with Your Nervous System
Your nervous system plays a huge role in how well you sleep. If you’re stuck in fight-or-flight mode, your body will struggle to relax. Chiropractic adjustments help balance the nervous system, improving your ability to fall and stay asleep naturally.

2. Create a Consistent Sleep Routine
Your body loves rhythm. Try to:

• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day

• Avoid screens for at least an hour before bed

• Wind down with a book, prayer, or stretching instead of scrolling on your phone

3. Limit Stimulants & Support Your Natural Sleep Hormones

• Reduce caffeine after 2 PM

• Avoid alcohol before bed (it disrupts deep sleep)

• Get morning sunlight to regulate melatonin levels naturally

4. Optimize Your Sleep Environment
Your bedroom should be a sleep sanctuary:
✔ Keep the room cool (around 65°F is ideal)
✔ Make it completely dark (use blackout curtains or an eye mask)
✔ Keep devices out of the bedroom—no phones in bed!

The Bigger Picture: Sleep & Whole-Body Health

If you’re constantly running on empty, struggling with focus, or feeling worn out, it’s time to prioritize your sleep. Deep, restorative rest is just as important as nutrition and movement when it comes to your long-term health.

If you’re dealing with chronic sleep issues, stress, or nervous system imbalances, chiropractic care can help. Let’s get you back to feeling rested, refreshed, and fully energized.

Struggling with sleep? Let’s talk. Book an appointment today and take the first step toward better rest and better health.

You're not alone!
Dr. Marlee