For most of her life, Connie Sandoval of La Quinta slept 3-4 hours a night. Her insomnia began at age 7 and became her way of life. Now 34, she has tried everything recommended and prescribed from melatonin, lavender, teas, and homeopathy, to sleeping pills, new mattresses, and targeted exercise. Nothing worked, until she found Cryotherapy.

According to The Lancet, a medical journal, up to 25 percent of all adults have irregular sleep patterns, while as many as 10 percent experience all the symptoms of insomnia. If left unaddressed, insomnia may contribute to the development of depression, diabetes, and numerous other ailments.

Connie is very healthy and has worked with a nutritionist since age 14. She cooks most meals at home, doesn’t eat junk food, and rarely eats out. She is fit and does cardio and/or free weights 3-4 times a week. Yet despite her healthy lifestyle, Connie’s lack of sleep affects every part of her life causing her inability to concentrate, fatigue and even blurred vision.

The science behind Cryotherapy’s special chamber is that it significantly lowers skin temperature for a brief period of 2.5-3 minutes. “The extreme vasoconstriction of the blood vessels throughout the body, followed by the rapid dilation (or rush) of blood, creates a calming effect on a very deep level,” says Susan Butler of Kinetix Performance in Palm Desert. “It’s as if the treatment resets the body, allowing it to go into repair mode. The results can increase circulation, metabolism, detoxification, tissue repair and immune function. “Because of its calming effects, those who suffer from insomnia may receive the greatest benefit.”

“After my first session, I noticed that I felt calm right away,” says Connie. “After the second session, I slept through the entire night – deep sleep – and awoke feeling rested. I can’t remember the last time I did that.”

Butler manages Connie’s treatment plan recommending three times a week for the first two weeks, then two times a week for the next two weeks working up to a twice a month maintenance plan. “We are thrilled to see that the benefits are holding on a long-term basis,” says Butler.

Connie’s vision has improved, and her aches and pain are gone. During the day, she has more energy, and at night, she now falls into a peaceful sleep. Her stress level at work has increased, yet it hasn’t affected her sleep. In fact, it’s the other way around; her ability to sleep enables her to handle the stress much better.

“It’s very strange to me,” says Connie. “I’ve lived with the insomnia for so long that I had come to accept that it was something I had to live with. And the difference I now feel after sleeping soundly for a whole month – from 3-minute Cryo treatments – is truly like night and day.”

Her only regret is that she didn’t find it earlier in life. “If I hear anyone talk about insomnia, I say ‘you need to try Cryo. It can only help.’”

Cryotherapy treatments are offered at Kinetix Performance in Palm Desert. For more information call (760) 200.1719 or visit www.kinetixcenter.com.