Hypothyroidism is a chronic condition that affects more than 20 million Americans. Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid, occurs when there is a deficiency of the thyroid hormone, which supports several functions in the body. A thyroid deficiency slows down metabolic function (reduces metabolism) which causes daytime fatigue and excessive lethargy. Along with fatigue, hypothyroidism also increases a person’s risk for sleep disorders including difficulty falling and staying asleep, insomnia, and sleep apnea.
At Pollack Wellness, our personalized hypothyroid treatments aim to treat the root cause of the hypothyroidism while also helping those people with this condition manage their symptoms, naturally. Today, we’ll explain some of the most effective ways to achieve better sleep, which can also help you manage other hypothyroid-related symptoms.
Symptoms of Hypothyroid Sleep Disorders
People with an underactive thyroid often experience the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Daytime sleepiness
- Nighttime restlessness
- Low energy levels/lethargy
- Difficulty falling and staying asleep
- Inability to fall into a deep sleep
- Sleep apnea
- Stress and anxiety
- Issues with memory
Ways to Improve Your Sleep
There are many ways people who have hypothyroidism can sleep better, which can also aid in managing other hypothyroid-related symptoms.
1. Find Ways to De-stress and Relax
Stress is a major contributor to sleeplessness because people tend to think about stressful, overwhelming situations when they’re trying to fall asleep. Try to keep your stress at bay by practicing relaxation techniques before bedtime, such as breathing techniques, meditation, gentle yoga for sleep, and journaling. Receiving acupuncture and reflexology regularly can help manage your stress while improving relaxation and overall wellness.
2. Sleep in a Comfortable Temperature
Sleeping in a cool room can significantly improve your sleep patterns. Instead of cranking up the heat, set your thermostat between 65 and 70 degrees to create a comfortable sleeping temperature in your room.
3. Avoid Eating Late Meals
Eating late meals, especially large meals, can negatively affect your sleep. Going to bed on a full stomach can trigger digestive issues that can keep you awake. Try to avoid eating within a few hours of bedtime, and definitely skip spicy foods, caffeine, and sweets right before bed.
4. Sleep With Good Posture
People sleep in all kinds of positions, some being better than others. But how you sleep can affect your sleep pattern, as well as how you feel when you wake up. If you’re a back sleeper, congratulations! This is one of the best positions for people with hypothyroidism — just be sure to tuck a pillow under your knees for lower back support. Sleeping on your back with proper neck and lower back support stretches your neck and chest muscles, allowing for better circulation and decreased tension in the neck that can irritate your thyroid glands.
5. Acupuncture to Improve Sleep
Acupuncture has been shown to be a relaxing and calming alternative therapy that can naturally improve sleep patterns when compared to that of prescription sleep aids. Acupuncture can relieve anxiety, depression, and stress, all of which contribute to insomnia and sleeplessness. It is also an effective hypothyroid treatment that can restore hormonal balance.
Functional Medicine is All About You.
Wellness is not just the absence of disease, but a daily feeling of health and well-being. Functional medicine provides the body with balance and strength from the inside out by healing the root causes of disease to foster your true vitality.
If you suffer from sleep issues related to underactive thyroid, call Pollack Wellness or schedule a 15-minute discovery call today to learn how our natural hypothyroid treatment in Long Island can help you. From enzyme replacement nutrition, to chiropractic care and detoxification services, we have many thyroid treatment options for you.