If you lie awake at night or wake up still tired, a massage might help more than you expect. Massage lowers cortisol — the stress hormone — and encourages the release of serotonin, which your body later converts into melatonin, the hormone that tells you it is time to sleep.
When sleep is the goal rather than fixing an injury, a gentle relaxation-style massage usually beats deep tissue work, which can leave you sore for a day.
An evening appointment is ideal, but leave an hour or two before bed so you can shower and wind down. Many people sleep more deeply the same night, and regular sessions can make a lasting difference to how quickly they drop off.
Pair the massage with a steady bedtime, less caffeine after midday and a cool, dark bedroom. A massage gives you a head start, but it works best as part of a simple evening routine rather than a one-off fix.