With the new year in full swing, many are focusing on health and wellbeing — and improving sleep quality is key to making both of these happen. Getting the right amount of undisturbed sleep is crucial if you want to avoid feeling groggy and tired in the morning, which can really put a dampener on your day. However, it's definitely easier said than done, as there are so many different factors which can influence how well we sleep.
And if you've been struggling to relax and drift off at night recently, then a physiotherapist and sleep expert has offered her valuable expertise. Expert physiotherapist Amardeep Manku at Sol Physio has hailed a simple 30-second routine that can help you quickly wind down for the night, calming your nervous system and leading to an undisturbed rest. Research shows that between 50 and 90 percent of people with chronic joint pain struggle with sleep, creating a vicious cycle of discomfort, fatigue, and health issues.
But the key to alleviating this and getting a better night's sleep could lie in doing some simple stretching as you prepare to drift off. Amardeep said: "Gentle bedtime stretches can ease joint stiffness, relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and calm your nervous system. Remember to breathe deeply and stretch within your comfort zone.
" Lateral neck flexion Sit or stand upright, gently tilt your head toward one shoulder while keeping the shoulders relaxed. Remember to keep breathing throughout the stretch and do not force any mov.
