Describing the effect of chiropractic cervical manipulation on disturbed sleeping patterns

Abstract: Introduction:Approximately one hundred and fifty million people worldwide suffer from sleep disturbances. In South Africa, thirty one percent of women and twenty seven percent of men have reported difficulty with sleep (Breus, 2012). Sleep deprivation results in problems such as impaired brain activity, cognitive dysfunctions and, in some cases, serious health problems such as heart attacks, high blood pressure and strokes. It can also result in problems such as impaired memory, hallucinations, depression, moodiness, weakened immune response and weight gain. There are many treatment approaches to sleep disturbances, ranging from psychology sessions to treatment with sleep medication. There also are many claims in the form of patient’s comments, observations by chiropractors, unpublished case studies and blogs that chiropractic treatment affects sleeping patterns. Despite these numerous claims, no research has been done to validate themor to provide evidence supporting theories of how manipulation could influence sleeping patterns. Aim:The aim of the study was to describe the effect that chiropractic cervical manipulation may have on disturbed sleeping patterns. The effect was measured by evaluating the participants’ sleep quality with the use of a sleeping apparatus, the FitBit, which records the sleeping pattern as well as the participants’ perception of the improvement in their sleep disturbance. Method:All volunteers were required to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, which ultimately resulted in the recruitment of ten participants who matched the inclusion and exclusion criteria. After the selection process had been completed, the first consultation was conducted. In this consultation,an information form was given to the participants, andeach was asked to sign an informed consent form. Preconsultation education regarding the use of the FitBit was also completed. Thereafter, a full case history was taken and a full physical exam as well as a cervical spine regional exam was performed. Each participant’s FitBit data, personal comments, MLSEQ and LSEQ were used by the researcher to describe whether or not chiropractic cervical manipulation had an effect on each participant’s disturbed sleeping pattern. Each participant attended six consultations over a period two weeks. Chiropractic treatment took place at four of the six consultations...M.Tech. (Chiropractic