From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), sleep problems are often viewed as a result of an imbalance between yin and yang and disrupted flow of qi and blood within the body.
- Heart and Spleen Deficiency: This condition typically manifests as insomnia, frequent dreaming, difficulty falling asleep, and difficulty returning to sleep after waking. The heart governs the blood, and the spleen is responsible for transformation and transportation. When heart blood is insufficient or spleen qi is weak, it fails to nourish the heart properly, leading to insomnia.
- Liver Fire Disturbing the Heart: This condition is often caused by emotional disturbances, leading to liver qi stagnation that transforms into liver fire, disturbing the heart and mind. Symptoms include irritability, restlessness, difficulty falling asleep, and frequent waking during the night.
- Kidney Yin Deficiency: The kidneys store essence and govern water. When kidney yin is deficient, it leads to an imbalance between yin and yang, failing to nourish the heart and mind. Symptoms often include hot flashes in the palms and soles, night sweats, dry mouth, difficulty falling asleep, or early waking.
- Stomach Disharmony Leading to Restlessness: Digestive disturbances, especially eating heavy or excessive food before bedtime, can cause the stomach qi to rebel upwards, affecting sleep. Symptoms may include discomfort in the epigastric region, belching, and acid reflux.
- Disharmony Between the Heart and Kidneys: This condition refers to excessive heart fire and insufficient kidney water, which fail to harmonize. It is commonly seen in menopausal women or long-term insomnia sufferers, presenting with palpitations, vivid dreams, easy awakening, dizziness, and tinnitus.
TCM treatment for sleep problems emphasizes overall regulation, using acupuncture, moxibustion, diet therapy, and herbal medicine to adjust organ function, balance yin and yang, and promote qi and blood circulation to improve sleep. It’s advisable for patients to receive personalized treatment under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner.
- Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Spinosa Seed) : Suan Zao Ren is known for its ability to nourish the heart, calm the mind, and astringe sweat. It is commonly used to treat insomnia, vivid dreams, and palpitations.
- Bai Zi Ren (Platycladi Seed) : Bai Zi Ren has the properties of nourishing the heart, calming the spirit, and moistening the intestines to relieve constipation. It is suitable for insomnia caused by heart yin deficiency and for elderly patients who suffer from constipation along with insomnia.
- Long Yan Rou (Longan Fruit Pulp) : Long Yan Rou is known for its ability to tonify the heart and spleen, replenish qi and blood, and calm the mind. It is often used for insomnia, forgetfulness, and palpitations caused by deficiency of both the heart and spleen.
These herbs are usually combined according to the patient’s specific symptoms and constitution. It’s recommended to use them under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner to achieve the best results.