You’re exhausted. You finally get into bed, find a comfortable position, and close your eyes.

Then your mind starts reviewing tomorrow’s responsibilities.

For some people, worry keeps them awake. For others, neck or back pain makes it difficult to get comfortable. Often, the two overlap.

As we close October’s “The Weight You Can’t See” series at Atkinson Family Chiropractic, we’re focusing on the connection between stress, sleep, and pain.

When Stress, Sleep, and Pain Overlap

Stress can interfere with sleep, and poor sleep can make pain harder to manage. Pain itself may also interrupt your rest.

That can leave you tired and less active the next day, with fewer opportunities to do the things that help you manage stress.

Recognizing this pattern gives you useful information. It can help you identify habits worth changing and symptoms worth discussing with your healthcare provider.

Give Your Day a Clear Ending

A consistent wind-down routine gives you time to transition away from work and daily demands.

Start with one or two manageable changes:

• Keep a regular schedule. Aim for consistent bedtimes and wake-up times.
• Put your phone aside. Give yourself a break from messages, work, and scrolling.
• Write down unfinished tasks. Make tomorrow’s list before getting into bed.
• Choose something calming. Reading, prayer, or quiet music may fit your routine.

Choose habits you can repeat. A complicated routine is difficult to maintain when you’re already tired.

Keep Appropriate Movement in Your Day

When you’re tired or uncomfortable, it can be tempting to spend more time sitting.

Gentle activity, such as a comfortable walk or exercises prescribed for you, can be part of managing pain and maintaining your daily routine. Follow your individual care plan and discuss exercises that are difficult or aggravate your symptoms.

Notice What Interrupts Your Sleep

Before your next appointment, consider:

• Is discomfort keeping you from falling asleep or waking you later?
• Where do you feel it?
• Does changing position help?
• Have your stress levels or daily activities changed?

You don’t need a detailed sleep diary. A few observations can make the conversation more useful.

Bring Sleep Into the Conversation

If neck or back pain regularly interrupts your sleep, tell Dr. Devin. Persistent sleep difficulties also deserve discussion with your primary care provider.

Atkinson Family Chiropractic in Denver, NC, can assess your neck and back symptoms and discuss appropriate next steps.

Contact our office to schedule an evaluation.

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• BUSY LIFE, BETTER BALANCE
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• BUILT FOR REAL LIFE
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• TAKE BACK YOUR LIFE
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• SUMMER SHOULDN’T HURT
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• GUESS WHO’S BACK?
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• SPRING TRAINING FOR YOUR HEALTH
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• PATH TO HEALTH
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• PAIN-FREE HOLIDAYS
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• THANKFUL NOT TANKFUL
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• SNEAKY SPOOKY SUBLUXATIONS
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• EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE STRONG, NOBODY WANTS TO BE SORE
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• BACK TO SCHOOL, BACK TO HEALTH
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• HEALTH IN THE CHAOS
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• REAL NUTRITION FOR REAL LIFE
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• GET REAL ABOUT HEALTH – YOUR CHOICES, YOUR RESULTS
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• THE TRUTH ABOUT SEED OILS
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• LIFESPAN vs. HEALTHSPAN
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• SLEEP SECRETS
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• FALL WELLNESS
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• STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR
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  • Boost Your Immune System with Chiropractic Care
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• LOW BACK PAIN
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• RECHARGE
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• GUT HEALTH
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• FAITH
  • Faith, Resilience, and Finding Hope: A Personal Journey with Dr. Devin
• VITAMIN D3
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• CHRONIC KNEE/JOINT PAIN
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  • Unlock Your Joints: Understanding Arthrogenic Inhibition
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• SLEEP
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• LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY
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• NEUROPATHY
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• VAGUS NERVE
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• OOLA GOALS
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• WEIGHT LOSS
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• CANCER PREVENTION
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• GETTING COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
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• LOW LEVEL LASER THERAPY VS. OPIOIDS
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• METABOLIC DISEASE
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• ALLERGIES
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• POSTURE
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• MATTRESS
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• RAISING HEALTHY KIDS NATURALLY SERIES
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• DURING PREGNANCY SERIES
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  • How Good Posture Can Help Ease Pregnancy Back Pain

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Ready to embark on your wellness journey? Contact Atkinson Family Chiropractic for personalized guidance and expert chiropractic care. Serving Denver, Stanley, Iron Station, Maiden, Sherrills Ford, Lincolnton, and the Western LKN area.