Chinese Medicine Explains Why You Wake Up at the Same Time Every Night

Have you noticed that you tend to wake up at the same times in the middle of the night? Chinese medicine can tell you why.

In Chinese medicine, qi is the energy that flows throughout our organs and creates balance. Each internal part of the body experiences active qi flow at different times during the night:

• 9 pm to 11 pm: The “triple burner,” or endocrine and lymphatic systems, is active. If these systems are out of balance, you might feel unhappy or depressed. Create a more relaxing bedtime routine so you can wait up feeling refreshed in the morning.
• 11 pm to 1 am: The gall bladder is active. An imbalance might cause feelings of uncertainty and poor judgement. You may need to avoid alcohol or fatty foods and eat only a light snack before bed.
• 1 am to 3 am: The liver is busy detoxifying our bodies and processing the emotions of the day. You might feel irritable or experience headaches when awake. If you consistently wake up at this time, you may have had too much alcohol or unhealthy food the night before, or you might be facing unresolved frustrations. Find healthier ways to deal with stress, like breathing exercises and detoxification treatments.
• 3 am to 5 am: The lungs are active. You may feel sadness or have shallow breathing if your lungs are out of balance. Practice activating the vagus nerve before bed with breathing exercises, and take some time to process your emotions with a trusted friend.
• 5 am to 7 am: The large intestine is active. If it’s out of balance, you may feel defensive or stuck in a situation. If you’re frustrated about waking up before your alarm clock sounds, you may need more fiber or water in your diet so your large intestine can properly eliminate waste.

If you’d like to know how Chinese medicine can help you identify and treat qi imbalances, call my office to schedule a consultation.