If you\u2019ve ever received an incredibly relaxing massage from a skilled massage therapist, you\u2019ve probably wondered if it\u2019s acceptable to fall asleep during a massage.<\/p>\n
Not only is it OK to doze off during a massage, it\u2019s actually a good sign.<\/p>\n
When your body receives a massage from a skilled massage therapist, the massage not only eases muscle tension but also encourages the nervous system to switch into its healing and relaxation state, called the \u201cparasympathetic\u201d phase.<\/p>\n
Put simply, the body\u2019s systems need downtime to crank natural healing up to its full capacity, and getting that downtime means sleep. \u00a0(It\u2019s a virtuous circle, since getting massage also helps you sleep more deeply.)<\/p>\n
A great massage signals your body that it\u2019s time to power down and heal up. \u00a0So it\u2019s your biology\u2014not your lack of sleep\u2014that makes it likely that a good relaxation massage will make you drowsy.<\/p>\n
While not everyone ends up drooling on the face cradle because they\u2019re in a deep sleep, many people admit to falling asleep during a massage at least once.<\/p>\n
Although there haven\u2019t been any formal surveys done on sleeping during massages, ask any massage therapist<\/a>, and they\u2019ll tell you that it\u2019s a compliment to have a customer fall asleep. It means that you trust your massage therapist and feel comfortable.<\/p>\n So don\u2019t feel the need to apologize when you wake up during a massage. You might just be a little sad that you missed part of your treatment\u00a0 – but rest assured, you’ve enjoyed all the benefits of massage while you were snoozing.<\/p>\n In fact, you might try to fall asleep during a massage on purpose. If \u00a0sleep is your goal<\/a> and not an accident, check out the Zeel sleep massage<\/a>, try a dab of lavender oil on your pillow, or opt to soothe your monkey mind with massage music.<\/p>\nMake sleep your goal<\/h2>\n