In Chinese medicine, sleep is a vital time when the body restores qi, nourishes blood, and anchors the spirit. Sleep allows the mind to settle and brings repair and renewal to the organs. At night, the Yang (bright energy of the day) is called to rest and change places with Yin (quiet energy of the night). While resting, the Liver stores the Blood that nourishes, the heart houses the Spirit that calms, and the Kidneys restore our life essence (Jing).
Sleep and the body clock in Chinese medicine
Each organ has its own time when it is shining and the other side when it needs to replenish. Going to bed late or at irregular times disrupts this rhythm, which places strain on the other organs and their vitality. This can become a spinning wheel of disconnect of anxiety, vivid dreams, fatigue, hormonal imbalance and weakened immunity. In particular this disconnect may show up as irritability, headaches or digestive uncertainty.
Sleep is not something to squeeze in a few hours of; it is an essential period of clearing and rejuvenation for your whole self. Enjoy waking with a feeling of calm and freshness through a good night’s sleep.