In previous articles we highlighted some of the lead indicators of bad health. Insomnia was considered one of them. Here we will explain the importance of sleep and its significance to good health. People who do not value sleep and find ways around are likely to suffer a decline in health.
Good quality sleep is a significant contributor to the quality of life. Sleep helps with relaxation and rejuvination of the body as many activities are subtly being undertaken during the sleep. These include:
- Release of hormones that help the replication processes
- Burning of fat and development of lean muscles.
- Regulation of the immune system is undertaken during sleep.
- Relaxtion of muscles
- Improved blood circulation
- Brain regulation
The amount of sleep depends on our constitution and age. In general as we get older sleep quantity required reduces. For average adults about 7 – 9 hours of sleep is required. There have even been studies that suggested that sleep deprivation even for just a week could lead to agitation, irritability and psychosis.
Sleep according to TCM
Chinese medicine follows the concept of the Meridianal clock or Horary cycle where the energy of the body flows throughout with different focus and concentration at various times of the day. In that cycle at 11 pm, the Yin Qi is the strongest and is the ideal time for returning to rest, restoration and replenishment.
Between 9pm-11pm, this is considered the Sanjiao (triple heater) time or the lymphatic system and normalization of the body functions happens during this time.
Deep sleep must be achieved during 1am and 3am, which is when blood and qi are considered strongest in the liver organ and its energic pathways. For the liver to de-toxify and function normally sleeping at this time is essential. The liver is responsbile for many factors both physically and mentally. Regulation of mood, digestion, vision, energy, planning and connective tissues.
3am – 5am is the lung system that provides oxygen, defense against external pathogens, nourishment of the skin and regulation of food/water metabolism. Around 4am the red blood cells are produced in abundance and thus important to be in sleep during this time.
Sleep orders can arise from a range of issues and a common one in modern times due to depletion of general supplementary energy, is that due to kidney energy. In TCM, the kidney is related to water (cooling) and when there insufficient water then the fire (Heart) over heats which causes overactivity and Insomnia as a result.
Good Sleeping Habits
- Try to sleep by 10:30 pm and plan to achieve 7-8 hours of sleep
- Regulate your bedtime and rising times.
- Avoid watching tv, eating, talking on the phone or reading in bed.
- Avoid meals, tea/coffee/chocoloate, exercise or emotional discussions near bedtime
- Keep the bedroom relaxed, quiet and uncluttered.
So remember sleep is an important part of life and it should be well respected for its health benefits.
