I Can’t Sleep, Can Massage Help?

If your sleep has been restless, shallow, or disrupted by stress, massage might help more than melatonin ever could.

We hear it all the time: "I slept like a rock after my massage." And while that deep rest feels magical, there’s real physiology behind it.

1. Massage activates your parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of your nervous system responsible for rest, digestion, and repair. When it kicks in, heart rate and blood pressure drop, cortisol levels fall, and your body shifts into a state where deep sleep becomes possible.

2. It improves serotonin production. Massage has been shown to increase serotonin—a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. More serotonin = a smoother path to restful sleep.

3. It reduces pain and physical tension. Whether it’s jaw clenching, low back discomfort, or tight hips, pain can quietly interfere with sleep. Massage helps unwind these physical stressors so your body can fully settle.

4. It calms racing thoughts by grounding you in your body. By focusing your attention on physical sensation, massage pulls you out of mental overdrive. This shift into the present moment can calm anxious loops and set the stage for sleep.

To make the most of your post-massage sleep:

• Book evening sessions if possible, or create a slow wind-down afterward

• Avoid screens for at least 30 minutes before bed

• Use supportive pillows to keep your body aligned

• Let your body set the pace—if you’re tired, honor it

Massage won’t knock you out like a sleeping pill. But it helps your body remember how to rest—deeply, naturally, and consistently.