Massage Helps You Sleep

“I slept so well after that massage!”

Over the years, clients have told me how well they sleep that night, after receiving a massage. Here are a few reasons why that might be:

• The massage work increases relaxation, and so the body sleeps more easily that night.
• Massage and the massage office or studio provide a break from normal surroundings, allowing the mind to disengage from the daily stress.
• Chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin are released during massage, which support feelings of well-being and greater relaxation.
• Massage reduces pain, and sometimes sleep is negatively impacted by pain.
• Massage decreases stress, which then allows for more sound sleep.

In many studies, massage has been shown to increase the quality of sleep, along with decreasing pain, anxiety, and depression. This is important. According to the CDC, "Insufficient sleep is associated with a number of chronic diseases and conditions—such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and depression,” and sleep is vital in the management of those conditions. 

How awesome that something that feels so good helps us sleep better, with no over-the-counter or prescription side effects. 

American Massage Therapy Association Article: Massage Therapy Can Help Improve Sleep - Cites many studies about massage and beneficial effects on sleep and a variety of conditions.
Sleep.com Article: Why Does Massage Make You Sleepy?