Proper sleep habits for kids are essential for growth and development. Getting enough sleep helps the body get physical rest and mentally prepares the brain for learning and developing. When a child doesn’t get proper sleep, it can lead to health problems, developmental issues, and more. Lack of sleep can contribute to ADHD, stunted brain growth, behavioral problems, and developmental issues. There could be many causes of sleepless night such as bad habits, improper diets, or lack of exercise, but there may also be health issues at the root of the cause. A Franklin chiropractor, like Dr. Devan Arman, can aid in improving sleep habits and overall behavior by treating the root of the problem.
Causes of Insomnia and Behavior Issues in Kids
Diagnosing causes of improper sleep patterns can be difficult. In infants, colic may be a contributing factor to lack of sleep. As children get older and outgrow issues like colic, there could be several other contributing factors such as neurological issues, breathing problems, or chronic pain. Sleep and behavior often go hand in hand. Poor sleep habits in older children can exacerbate ADHD, cause learning problems at school, or contribute to social discomfort. Parents will often turn to medication to alleviate these problems, but medication only masks the symptoms and puts children at risk of experiencing unpleasant side effects. Franklin pediatric chiropractors seek to treat the overall child to improve health and wellness, as well as sleep patterns and behavioral issues.
How Chiropractic Can Help
After an assessment of overall and spinal health, Franklin chiropractor Dr. Devan Arman will remove any spinal misalignments with gentle, specific chiropractic adjustments. Correcting misalignments of the spine removes nerve interference, which is the root of neurological disturbances such as sleep disruptions or behavior issues. Removing spinal misalignments allows signals to pass freely through the body. This corrects hormonal imbalances and improves the functions of various body systems, such as the immune system, endocrine system, reticular activating system (associated with ADHD), and central nervous system. When a child’s body is functioning as it should, parents will see an improvement in sleep patterns and behavior issues. Infants and children may begin to sleep through the night when they haven’t done so prior. Kids may experience increased concentration and attentiveness at school. Pediatric chiropractic is extremely beneficial in removing subluxations and promoting overall health and wellness in children.
Research Supports Chiropractic for Children
Several case studies have shown that chiropractic is a natural way to treat sleep problems and behavioral issues. In one study, a five-year old boy woke up every two hours throughout the night and had done this since he was a baby. His mom also reported that the sleeplessness affected his behavior as he would often wake up seeming “troubled.” His teachers reported that he was bright but could not concentrate in class. After consistent chiropractic adjustments, his mother reported significant improvement in his sleeping habits and behavior and noted that he was a completely different child. Another study showed increased improvement in academic performances of children of all ages, from elementary school to high school, who received chiropractic adjustments.
If you feel your child could benefit from chiropractic care, contact Franklin chiropractor Dr. Devan Arman for more information about how pediatric adjustments can improve sleep patterns and behavior.
Sources
Cawthra, L. "Chiropractic management of a 5-year-old boy with sleep disturbance and challenging behavior: an evidence-based case report." http://rcc-uk.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Cawthra-L_Case-report_0315.pdf
Walton, E.V. “The Effects of Chiropractic Treatment on Students with Learning and Behavioral Impairments Due to Neurological Dysfunction.” International Review of Chiropractic, 1975; 29: 4-5, 24-26. http://icpa4kids.org/Chiropractic-Research/the-effects-of-chiropractic-treatment-on-students-with-learning-and-behavioral-impairments-due-to-neurological-dysfunction.html.