We are going through an unprecedented time and in addition to so many other adverse effects, COVID is causing sleepless nights.

The effects of stress on mental and physical health are getting worse. The acute phase of stress leads to a reduction in sleep, vigilance and an adrenaline rush in the system to prepare you for flight or fight. The continuation of stress causes difficulty in falling asleep, fatigue, no deep phases of sleep, sensitivity, irritability and decreased memory. This eventually accumulates to causing more physical issues – and the cycle continues.

The most important treatment is pain neuroscience education (PNE) to explain the symptoms and reduce the threat to the brain. PNE in combination with manual therapy can lead to amazing results with a patient's recovery. The primary goal is to regulate and calm the nervous system and the brain down. Sleep hygiene, sleep study evaluation, nutrition, exercise, journaling are other great treatment options to help address sleep issues.

Now that I have covered a lot about stress and its impact on various systems of the body and have also suggested different treatment options please do not wait to take care of yourself and loved ones. My team at Move Physio is open for consultation, evaluation and treatment.