South Burlington Physical Therapy
For the Lifestyle Athlete
Our previous post discussed how to reduce stimulation that drives a sympathetic state. Stress can “turn on” our internal ⏰ alarm system causing hypervigilance, anxiety, and unproductive energy1. These are incompatible with sleep and can cause problems such as difficulty falling asleep, fragmented sleep, and nightmares. Here are some strategies to help calm the body and… Read More
We previously have talked about how the key to a good night sleep is transitioning out of energized ‘sympathetic state’ (fight or flight) to a more calm ‘parasympathetic state’ (rest and digest). Therefore, there are two major options for intervention: 1) reduce factors that cause sympathetic state, 2) increase factors that create a parasympathetic state. … Read More
Relaxing before bed prepares you for untroubled sleep. The following exercises ‘open up your breathing,’ helping you to transition out of a more stressed ‘sympathetic state’ (fight or flight) to a more calm ‘parasympathetic state’ (rest and digest). You will only need the floor and your pillow. Lying on the ground, preferably on a rug… Read More
While reading, “Promoting Sleep: Not a Leap”1, the following quote really stuck out. “There may not be a single body system that can’t be improved by getting sufficient sleep…or can’t be compromised by insufficient sleep.”” It is so true! How many times have you felt cruddy, knees hurt, body aches, forgetting stuff, zoning out, and… Read More
