Sleep Maintenance Insomnia: Causes and TCM Solutions
Sleep maintenance insomnia refers to the inability to stay asleep throughout the night, often waking up multiple times or having difficulty falling back asleep. This condition can result in daytime fatigue, poor concentration, and mood disturbances. In traditional Chinese medicine, this pattern is often linked to imbalances in the heart, liver, or kidneys.
Unlike difficulty falling asleep, sleep maintenance insomnia is usually caused by internal disharmony such as yin deficiency, blood deficiency, or excess heat. Stress, overthinking, and long-term emotional strain can also deplete the body’s vital resources and disturb the shen (spirit), leading to night-time waking.
TCM treatments may include herbal formulas like Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Decoction) or Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, acupuncture, and lifestyle recommendations to support restful sleep. Each therapy is personalized to target the root cause of the individual's sleep disorder.
Dietary habits also play a key role. Patients are advised to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bedtime. Calming routines like meditation, warm foot soaks, and consistent sleep schedules are also encouraged.
By addressing both the physical and emotional contributors to sleep disturbance, TCM offers a holistic path to overcoming sleep maintenance insomnia. If you’re struggling to stay asleep, a consultation with a TCM professional can guide you toward a tailored solution.