01/14/2024
Why Do I Wake Up at the Same Time Every Night? A Traditional Chinese Medicine Insight
TCM teaches that energy, or Qi, flows through different meridians or energy channels in our body at specific times. This cycle repeats every 24 hours. If your Qi is unbalanced in a particular meridian, it can disrupt your sleep during that meridian's active hours.
9 PM to 11 PM – San Jiao Time
Struggling to drift off between these hours? It might be a sign of being stuck in 'fight or flight' mode. The San Jiao governs intake, transformation, and elimination processes and influences your immune system. It's common during this time to feel survival instincts kicking in, seeing everything as a potential threat.
11 PM to 1 AM – Gall Bladder Time
Waking up in these hours? The Gall Bladder meridian, starting near the eyes, is linked to external vision and decision-making. It may reflect frustration or judgment, either towards yourself or others. This period also calls for examining your diet, especially your intake of healthy oils.
1 AM to 3 AM – Liver Time
Many wake during Liver Time, as this organ juggles numerous functions. From hormone balance to digestion, its imbalance often manifests as anxiety, guilt, or anger. This is also a signal for introspection – are you content with your life?
3 AM to 5 AM – Lung Time
Waking up at these hours might be related to unprocessed grief and sadness. The Lung meridian is associated with breath and faith – the ability to let go, akin to the natural flow of breathing.
5 AM to 7 AM – Large Intestine Time
Issues around control in relationships or life may arise. It's a time to release what no longer serves you, just as the Large Intestine does with physical waste.