Around the Autumnal Equinox, many female friends are more prone to mood swings, irritability, or depression due to "excessive qi and blood deficiency," accompanied by symptoms such as insomnia and sleep disturbances. Have you ever experienced such scenarios: feeling very sleepy at night but unable to fall asleep after 11 p.m.? Reversing day and night, staying up late and making up for sleep during the day, thinking that staying up late is no big deal? Experts from Kuangjie Hospital will discuss the correct ways to alleviate insomnia with you.
After the Autumn Equinox, the weather gradually turns cooler, with the yang energy in nature converging and the yin energy gradually increasing. At this time, people are easily influenced by the desolate scenery of the outside world, and their emotions tend to become low, even leading to a sense of "autumn melancholy." Many women, in particular, are prone to emotional fluctuations during this season, which is closely related to their physiological characteristics. Women experience processes such as menstruation and pregnancy, which can easily deplete yin and blood. Coupled with pressures from work, family, and society, they often develop a state of "excessive qi and deficient blood," making them more susceptible to emotional discomfort, irritability, or depression.
Therefore, at this time, it is crucial to protect yin blood, which is also one of the classic academic thoughts of National Medical Master Chai Songyan from Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated with Capital Medical University. In terms of regulation, how to "reduce consumption" is more important than blindly supplementing, and the most important point is—do not stay up late.
Improve Sleep Three Key Points
01 Seize the Opportunity to Fall Asleep
Many people may have experienced this: feeling very sleepy at night, but if they force themselves to stay awake, they become alert instead, making it difficult to fall asleep soundly afterward. This is because around 11 PM, the gallbladder meridian becomes active, and yang energy begins to rise, making it harder for the body to settle down. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain a regular sleep schedule, ideally falling asleep between 9 PM and 11 PM, and no later than 11 PM.
02 Avoid Reversing Day and Night
Some people are accustomed to staying up late at night, thinking that they can make up for it by sleeping during the day, thus reversing their day and night schedules. This practice is actually not scientific. The period from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. is a crucial time for the body's repair and detoxification. As the saying goes, "When a person lies down, blood returns to the liver." Missing this opportunity can deplete yin and blood, leading to a series of adverse effects on the body.
03 Do not overeat at dinner
Traditional Chinese medicine says, "A restless stomach leads to a restless sleep." It is advisable not to overeat at dinner and avoid high-sugar foods. Try not to eat or drink anything three hours before bedtime. This is especially important for those with weaker spleen and stomach functions.
In addition, relevant issues can also be resolved through negotiated prescriptions. The negotiated prescription section of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Internet Hospital allows for online issuance of negotiated prescriptions and home delivery.
Rose Qi-Regulating Formula
Composition: Rose, Chrysanthemum, Dried Tangerine Peel, etc.
Efficacy and Indications:Soothing the liver to regulate qi, nourishing the kidneys to enhance complexion
Qi Tonifying and Heart Calming Formula
Composition: Jujube, Fried Jujube Seed, Lily Bulb, etc.
Efficacy and Indications:Replenishing Qi and nourishing blood, strengthening the spleen and calming the mind. Used for palpitations and insomnia due to deficiency of both Qi and blood, with symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst, palpitations, five-center heat, tidal fever and night sweats, restlessness and insomnia.
Qishen Tiaochong Formula
Composition: Mulberry, Wolfberry, Chinese Rose, etc.
Efficacy and Indications:Tonifying the kidney and strengthening the spleen, soothing the liver and regulating the thoroughfare vessel. It is indicated for irregular menstruation, infertility, and menopausal syndrome due to spleen and kidney deficiency and liver qi stagnation.
