Restless Sleeplessnessaccording to TCM

*redirected from Restlnessness at night

Symptom family: Sleep Disturbances

Parent symptom: Insomnia

Root Causes of Restless Sleeplessness in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Restless sleeplessness according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heart
  • Spleen
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Restless Sleeplessness

Common Symptoms: Dry Stools Mouth Ulcers Generalized Fatigue Afternoon Heat Sensation Dry Mouth Preference For Sipping Dry Mouth And Throat At Night Night Sweats

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency Insomnia with very restless sleep, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang
Yin and Blood Deficiency Insomnia with very restless sleep, Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms... see more Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Restless Sleeplessness

Common Symptoms: Generalized Fatigue Poor Memory Mental Exhaustion Irritability Heart Palpitations With Anxiety Poor Concentration Nocturnal Emission Dry Stools

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Yin and Blood Deficiency Insomnia with very restless sleep, Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms... see more Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Restlnessness at night, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Restless Sleeplessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Restlnessness at night, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Restless Sleeplessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency Insomnia with very restless sleep, Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones... see more Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Restless Sleeplessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Restlnessness at night, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Restless Sleeplessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency Restlnessness at night, Palpitations, Poor memory, Restless sleeplessness, Fever, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Exertional dyspnea, Weight loss... see more Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Restless Sleeplessness

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address restless sleeplessness, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that tonify

All Formulas Recommended for Restless Sleeplessness Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Yin and Blood Deficiency
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Restless Sleeplessness Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Yin and Blood Deficiency
Ren Shen Yang Rong Tang Heart and Spleen Qi and Blood Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Restless Sleeplessness Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for restless sleeplessness

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Yin and Blood Deficiency
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for restless sleeplessness

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Restless Sleeplessness

See more details below about Yingchuang ST-16, an acupoint used to address restless sleeplessness.

  • By Meridian
  • Stomach Channel
Yingchuang ST-16

Yingchuang ST-16

In the 3nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.