Sleeping Better in Your 50s, 60s and Beyond — The Spine’s Role in Rest
Discover how age-related changes in your spine can affect sleep quality. This beginner-friendly guide explains the link between chiropractic care and better rest for people in their 50s, 60s and beyond.
Struggling With Sleep as You Get Older?
If you’ve noticed your sleep quality changing with age, you’re not alone. Many people in their 50s, 60s and beyond experience more frequent waking, difficulty falling asleep, or lighter, less restful sleep. While aspects like hormonal changes, stress, or lifestyle habits can contribute to this, one area that’s often overlooked is spinal health.
At FeelGood Chiropractic in Hamilton East, I often see how closely the spine and nervous system are tied to better sleep, especially as we age.
How Ageing Affects Sleep
As we get older, the body naturally produces less melatonin (the hormone that helps regulate sleep), and the deep stages of sleep can become shorter. Add in years of wear and tear on the spine, postural changes, and stiffness, and it’s no surprise that discomfort and restlessness can creep into your nights.
Tension in the spine can irritate the nervous system, making it harder for your body to fully relax - one of the most important steps in drifting off to sleep.
Chiropractic Care and Sleep Quality
Gentle chiropractic care can support better sleep by:
Reducing tension and stiffness – Aligning the spine can ease muscle tightness and joint pressure that often cause night-time discomfort.
Calming the nervous system – A well-functioning spine helps your brain and body communicate clearly, which supports relaxation and reduces stress hormones.
Improving overall mobility – When your body moves more freely during the day, it’s easier to feel comfortable and still at night.
Even small improvements in spinal alignment can help you fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restorative rest.
Building Better Sleep Habits as You Age
Alongside chiropractic care, simple daily habits can support healthy sleep:
Stick to a regular bedtime routine
Get morning sunlight to regulate your body clock
Keep your bedroom cool, quiet, and dark
Limit screens in the hour before bed
Practice gentle stretching or breathing exercises
These steps, combined with caring for your spine, can go a long way in improving your sleep quality.
Gentle, Supportive Care in Hamilton
If you’re experiencing sleep issues as you age and are curious about how chiropractic care might help, we’d love to chat. At FeelGood Chiropractic, my approach is calm, gentle, and focused on supporting your whole body - not just treating symptoms.
📍 FeelGood Chiropractic – Hamilton East, Hamilton, NZ
