A deep tissue massage is a great form of self-care, often mimicking the benefits of a full night’s sleep. Sleep plays an essential role in overall health, yet millions of American’s don’t get the quality sleep they need to function correctly. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, 50-70 million Americans suffer from sleeplessness and insomnia, which ultimately leaves their bodies in “sleep debt,” a debt that can’t be wiped with a weekend of hibernation. The physical effects of no sleep are not too pretty either, but deep tissue massage may help our bodies recover from lack of sleep.

Lack of quality sleep deprives your body and brain of recovery. Interestingly enough, it does the same for your skin. Skin needs rest to encourage cell turnover and retain hydration, both of which processes can only be achieved during REM, helping to give your skin a youthful glow.

While “sleep” may not be something you find on a spa menu, there are some spa treatments that promote the Z’s you need.

According to the National Institute of Health, quality sleep can be significantly improved with massage therapy. Studies found that massage therapy enhances restfulness across the board, from infancy to adulthood.

A study done by the International Journal of Neuroscience found that in addition to decreasing back pain, those who received massage therapy twice a week for 30 minutes experienced improved sleep and deeper REM. Massage therapy techniques such as deep tissue and Swedish massage were the best for enhanced sleep results.

The science behind massage therapy and its connection to quality rest can be found in the chemicals produced during a massage treatment. Massage therapy helps the body produce serotonin, a chemical that affects mood, appetite, memory, social behavior, and more… including quality rest. On the other hand, lack of sleep releases a pain chemical, so people who suffer from sleep deprivation are at higher risk of suffering from chronic diseases.

In addition, massage stimulates blood flow which plumps slack skin and helps move toxins out of cells leaving room for good nutrients to take their place. This combination can do wonders for a dull complexion.

So if you’ve been having trouble getting the sleep your body needs, come in for a massage. We’ll get you glowing from the inside out!