Is your insomnia related to your Liver system?

Insomnia? Waking up between 1 to 3 am?

We can look at the Chinese Medicine organ clock to examine symptoms that regularly occur around the same time of day. If you struggle with insomnia and find that you’re waking up between the hours of 1-3am, you’re waking up during Liver time. So, what might that mean?

Image source: Healthline

The role of the Liver

In Chinese Medicine, the Liver system has many functions and “managerial roles” within your body, so to speak. We lovingly refer to it as the General, because the Liver is responsible for the smooth and proper flow of Qi in the right directions throughout your whole body (including other organ systems). It’s also largely responsible for emotional regulation, coping with stress, and a regulated nervous system. Planning, goal-setting, and follow-through all relate to the Liver. It also stores and cleanses your blood (especially at night, between the hours of 1 and 3 am, when your body is at rest and blood moves deeper into your organs). Blood plays an important role in sleep, energy, and mental and physical health, which makes this a very important function. When you can’t sleep at this time regularly, you’re likely to feel fatigued and overwhelmed over time.

One to three am is an important time for your body to enter a deep sleep and cleanse and store blood. If this isn’t happening, it might be because your Liver system is suffering from an imbalance. Imbalances are typically caused by habits and lifestyle choices, but some people are also more prone to certain imbalances (or, “patterns”) than others.

What can cause a Liver imbalance?

1. Emotions. Repressing your emotions, excessive anger, rage, and/or resentment all impact your Liver, leading to insomnia and other symptoms. Expressing yourself and your needs, practicing emotional management skills, and practicing acceptance can all make a significant positive impact on your Liver system.
2. Stress. Going through a stressful time without adequate rest and coping mechanisms has the same impact. Balancing stress with positive and joyful experiences and integrating habitual coping mechanisms to help manage your stress levels will soothe your Liver.
3. Watching stressful television shows before bed. Almost all stories create tension (i.e. stress) by introducing conflict, even if it is resolved later on in the plot. Any tension (physical or emotional) inhibits the smooth flow of Qi throughout your body, managed by the Liver. Skip the television in the couple hours before you go to bed. You can replace this with reading, writing, a creative activity, journaling, a bath, a yin yoga practice or stretching, a gentle walk, or other activities that help you wind down.
4. Skipping cardiovascular exercise. Regular cardio is one of the best ways to move your qi, and without it, your qi stagnates. This causes issues for your Liver, which needs to move freely and smoothly. The rest of your organ systems can also be affected. Aim to get gentle cardiovascular exercise that induces a light sweat several days per week. Consult your practitioner if this isn’t within your reach right now. Start small!
5. Disorganization. Lacking structure in your life, a disorganized living or working space, and avoiding routines, habits, planning, and goal-setting creates a lot of stress on your Liver. If your life or your space is chaotic, integrate a cleaning schedule or habit, and take some time out of your day for planning, goal-setting, or imagining a positive vision for your future.
6. Drinking alcohol. Whether it’s too much alcohol or drinking alcohol too late at night, this can significantly impact both your Liver and your sleep quality. Cut back on the amount of alcohol you drink or don’t drink alcohol in the few hours before bed if you’re struggling to get a restful sleep.

Acupuncture is also excellent for soothing the Liver and regulating its function. It’s another great place to start if you’re experiencing insomnia and difficulty staying asleep.

There are many things can cause an imbalance in your Liver system, and therefor many ways to address and improve your Liver imbalance. Focus on making changes in any of the above aspects of your life to help soothe your Liver and get a deeper, more restful sleep.

There are MANY contributing factors for insomnia, but if you regularly wake up specifically between 1-3am, examine some of these habits. Book an Acupuncture appointment if you’d like help with getting a restful sleep!