Chinese Medicine & Women's Sleep
- sarahalemilac
- Apr 3
- 3 min read
The Chinese Medicine Clock (or Organ Clock) is a valuable tool for understanding sleep disturbances, especially in midlife. In TCM, each two-hour window corresponds to an organ system, and waking at a specific time can indicate imbalances related to that organ’s function. Here’s a breakdown of common wake-up times and their possible connections; but first, what is the Chinese Medicine Clock?
What is the Chinese Medicine Clock?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the body follows a natural rhythm known as the Chinese Medicine Clock (or Organ Clock). This 24-hour cycle divides the day and night into two-hour windows, during which specific organ systems are at their peak function. Each organ is responsible for different physiological and emotional processes, and disruptions in sleep—particularly waking at the same time each night—can indicate imbalances in that organ system.
For example, the Liver is most active between 1 AM and 3 AM, a time often associated with stress, hormonal fluctuations, or emotional processing. The Lungs, active from 3 AM to 5 AM, are linked to grief, respiration, and immune function. By understanding the TCM clock, we can use food, herbs, acupressure, and lifestyle changes to support our body’s natural cycles—helping to restore balance and improve sleep quality.
Sleep Disturbances by Time and TCM Perspective
9 PM – 11 PM (San Jiao / Triple Burner)
Common in: Women with stress, adrenal imbalances, or hormonal shifts.
Issues: Difficulty falling asleep, racing mind, anxiety.
TCM Insight: The Triple Burner regulates fluids and metabolism, closely linked to adrenal and thyroid function. Stress and hormonal changes (e.g., fluctuating cortisol, estrogen, and progesterone) can disrupt this phase.
Support: Evening wind-down routines, herbal teas (e.g., chrysanthemum or jujube seed), acupressure on PC6 (Pericardium 6) for calming.
11 PM – 1 AM (Gallbladder)
Common in: Women with liver qi stagnation, decision fatigue, or unresolved emotions.
Issues: Difficulty staying asleep, irritability, body tension.
TCM Insight: The Gallbladder governs decision-making and courage. Waking at this time may indicate frustration, overthinking, or stored anger.
Support: Liver-supporting foods (leafy greens, lemon water), GB34 (Gallbladder 34) acupressure, meditation to release tension.
1 AM – 3 AM (Liver)
Common in: Women with hormonal imbalances, stress overload, or sluggish detox pathways.
Issues: Waking up feeling wired, night sweats, hot flashes, restless sleep.
TCM Insight: The Liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. In midlife, estrogen fluctuations affect liver function, leading to heat accumulation, qi stagnation, or blood deficiency.
Support: Cooling foods (peppermint tea, mung beans), LV3 (Liver 3) acupressure, gentle stretching before bed.
3 AM – 5 AM (Lungs)
Common in: Women with grief, emotional processing, or respiratory concerns.
Issues: Waking up with sadness, a feeling of emptiness, shallow breathing.
TCM Insight: The Lungs govern emotions like grief and loss. This wake-up time can signal unresolved emotional burdens or low oxygen levels due to poor breathing habits.
Support: Breathwork, LU9 (Lung 9) acupressure, diffusing essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender.
5 AM – 7 AM (Large Intestine)
Common in: Women with digestive sluggishness or emotional “holding on.”
Issues: Early waking, constipation, sluggish digestion.
TCM Insight: The Large Intestine is associated with elimination—both physically and emotionally. Waking up at this time can indicate difficulty letting go of stress, resentment, or past experiences.
Support: Morning hydration (warm lemon water), gentle abdominal massage, LI4 (Large Intestine 4) acupressure.
Additional TCM Considerations for Midlife Sleep Issues
Kidney Yin Deficiency (Common in perimenopause & menopause): Night sweats, hot flashes, dry mouth, waking up frequently.
Support: Goji berries, black sesame seeds, cooked pears, yin-nourishing herbs like rehmannia.
Heart & Spleen Qi Deficiency: Trouble staying asleep, anxiety, palpitations.
Support: Blood-nourishing foods (beets, dates), calming herbs like Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus).
Blood Deficiency: Light sleep, vivid dreams, waking up easily.
Support: Bone broth, dark leafy greens, Chinese red dates.
Do you notice a pattern with your sleep? If you know you're not getting the quality sleep that is needed for proper health, don't hesitate to reach out. Chinese medicine and acupuncture are incredibly effective at helping the body find restorative sleep!
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