Among the sleep-related disorders observed in our current societies, insomnia is the most widespread. On average, 20% of the French population currently suffers from it chronically, while nearly 40% of us have experienced it temporarily (more information and official studies by the national institute of sleep and vigilance: link). All categories of the population are affected regardless of sex and age, even if women are said to be more sensitive to it due to the hormonal variations they undergo throughout their lives.

This disorder is characterized by the difficulty a person experiences falling asleep and/or persistent awakenings that can interrupt their sleep. This results in an incomplete night, or even a total absence of rest – the famous “all-nighter”.

While there is no sleep standard per se (we are not all equal in terms of rest needs), an insufficiency will easily be detected when daily activities are affected. One can then observe:

  • State of latent fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Difficulties with concentration
  • Irritability
  • Memory loss
  • Disorientation
  • Etc.

The social and professional implications of such a state are generally negative for the person whose capacities are globally reduced. And if the direct consequences are easy to understand, one must not forget the indirect accentuation of underlying disorders and other possible predispositions: digestive disorders, obesity, migraines, hypertension, anxiety, depression, …

Factors of appearance and TCM vision

If sleep represents on average one third of our lives, there's a good reason for that! A real recharging moment for the body, tissues regenerate, the immune system renews itself, the brain purifies itself of toxins, growth hormones are secreted, etc. (for more info on this subject: link). We estimate the duration of a “correct” night's sleep to be 7 to 9 hours for an adult, decreasing with age.

Deprived (even partially) of such a vital element, the Body and Mind find themselves weakened in the face of the external environment.

But why and how does such a dysregulation appear?

While the impact of our emotional states on our ability to rest seems clear (a state of grief or separation will be less conducive to rest than a person without worries and with a light heart, for example), the importance of exogenous factors should be emphasized.

Thus, the evolution of customs in our modern societies inexorably degrades our lifestyle: noise pollution, stress, irregular life rhythm, poor eating habits, smoking, alcohol, stimulants of all kinds, lack of physical exercise, omnipresent new technologies, etc. Yes! The role of new technologies, supposed to improve our well-being! In an ultra-connected world, to what extent are our eyes and our brain overexposed to screens, waves, noises, vibrations…? The subject is vast and many studies demonstrate the negative impact of such stimuli on sleep. Not to mention the anxiety that can set in for a person who dreads bedtime, leading them into a vicious circle.

We each have our own sensitivity, and it is important to be attentive to it to identify areas for improvement of such factors in case of insomnia. Because if the body does not allow itself to rest, it is indeed an alarm signal, a message that our conscious mind must interpret to take the necessary measures and regain inner balance, a key notion of the Taoist vision of TCM.

Insomnia and the Shao-Yin axis

Insomnia (like hypersomnia, for that matter) will in this context be interpreted by the disruption of the Shao-Yin axis – meaning the Heart-Kidney balance – representing the verticality of being and its Yin-Yang balance (the water of the Kidney tempers the fire of the Heart and vice versa). Excessive agitation of the Spirit (“Shen”, of which the Heart is the abode) prevents falling asleep, along with the flood of excessive thoughts that accompanies this state. Restoring this balance is then necessary.

Untimely awakenings will be analyzed in relation to their frequency and hours of occurrence, in order to link them to the body's biorhythms and thus understand their origin (element/organ in energetic imbalance).

What remedies?

While the most common Western reflex will be to resort to sleeping pills, their side and toxic effects on the body should not be overlooked. They are also contraindicated in cases of hepatic insufficiency (of the Liver) or renal insufficiency!

TCM tools, particularly acupuncture and massage, offer effective natural treatment to restore internal imbalances causing the various sleep disorders mentioned. It will also be possible to stimulate key points of the body through self-massage: Rushing Spring — KID 1, Great Stream — KID 6, etc.

Finally, slight adjustments in habits and lifestyle are an excellent complement to promote falling asleep and naturally improve sleep quality:

  • Regular practice of a daytime physical activity (to be avoided in the evening!): it helps release tension, stress, and excess energy
  • Practice of meditation and appropriate breathing exercises before going to bed
  • Getting used to eating little (or not at all) in the evening, to limit the activity of internal organs
  • Adopting a regular daily rhythm (bedtime and wake-up times)
  • Creating a favorable environment for rest (removing lights, noises, radio/wifi waves, electrical chargers, etc. around oneself)
  • Limiting exposure to screens, especially at least 1 hour before going to bed
  • Taking care of oneself emotionally, intellectually/visually, especially in the evening