Hypersomniaaccording to TCM
*redirected from Somnolence
Symptom family: Fatigue and Sleepiness
Did you mean? Exhaustion Mental Exhaustion
What is hypersomnia?
Hypersomnia, often referred to as excessive sleepiness or somnolence, is a condition characterized by an overwhelming need to sleep during the day, even after a full night's rest. Individuals with hypersomnia may find it difficult to stay awake and alert during daily activities, leading to a significant impact on their quality of life.
Unlike simple fatigue, hypersomnia is persistent and can be a symptom of underlying health issues. This condition often leaves individuals feeling lethargic, withdrawn, and unable to focus, which can affect both personal and professional aspects of their lives.
How does TCM view hypersomnia?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypersomnia is understood as a manifestation of underlying disharmonies in the body. While Western medicine might approach hypersomnia as a neurological or physiological disorder, TCM sees it as a sign of imbalances in the body's vital energies, organs, and fluids.
Symptoms like hypersomnia can arise from various patterns of disharmony, and it is essential to diagnose the correct pattern to provide effective treatment. This holistic approach aims to restore balance, ensuring that the body functions optimally and that symptoms like excessive sleepiness are resolved.
Root Causes of Hypersomnia in TCM
In TCM, hypersomnia can be attributed to several patterns of disharmony, with Yang Deficiency being a prominent cause. For example, Lesser Yin Cold Transformation is a pattern where the body's Yang energy is depleted, leading to symptoms such as an overwhelming desire to sleep, chills, cold extremities, and general apathy.
Another related pattern is Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency, which also presents with hypersomnia, along with symptoms like severe chills, lower back pain, and exhaustion. These patterns highlight how an imbalance in the body's warming and activating energies can lead to excessive sleepiness. Other causes may include patterns involving Cold or Phlegm, each contributing to hypersomnia in different ways.
Explore below more details about what might cause Hypersomnia according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yang Deficiency
- Cold
- Phlegm
- View More Causes
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hypersomnia
Common Symptoms: Cold Extremities Chills Diarrhea Absence Of Thirst Desire To Lie Down Curled Up Apathy Frequent Pale Urination Low Grade Fever
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Lesser Yin Cold Transformation | Desire to sleep, Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Frequent pale urination... see more | Si Ni Tang |
| Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency | Desire to sleep, Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice... see more | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Zai Zao San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypersomnia
To treat hypersomnia, TCM practitioners use formulas tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony. For instance, in cases of Lesser Yin Cold Transformation, the formula Si Ni Tang is often recommended. This formula, which includes Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) as a key herb, helps to rescue devastated Yang by warming the interior and dispelling cold.
In cases where hypersomnia is due to Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency, Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang might be used, with Ephedra (Ma Huang) playing a central role in releasing the exterior and addressing the underlying deficiency. The choice of formula is always based on the patient’s unique presentation, ensuring a personalized approach to restoring balance and alleviating symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypersomnia, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Cold
- Phlegm
- View More Causes
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Si Ni Tang
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause hypersomnia, such as Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypersomnia Caused by Yang Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Si Ni Tang | Lesser Yin Cold Transformation |
| Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
| Zai Zao San | Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency |
Acupoints for Hypersomnia
Acupuncture plays a crucial role in TCM's approach to treating hypersomnia. Specific acupoints are selected based on the underlying pattern. For instance, Dazhong KID-4 on the Kidney Channel is used to strengthen the Kidney’s ability to receive Qi and calm the Mind, making it beneficial in cases of Yang Deficiency. Zhaohai KID-6, also on the Kidney Channel, is another important point that nourishes Kidney Yin and calms the Mind, helping to regulate sleep patterns.
In cases involving Phlegm patterns, points like Shenmai BL-62 on the Bladder Channel may be used to pacify internal wind and clear obstructions. By targeting these acupoints, TCM aims to restore the body's balance and alleviate the excessive sleepiness associated with hypersomnia.
Explore below some acupoints used to address hypersomnia, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Kidney Channel
- Bladder Channel
- Spleen Channel
Dazhong KID-4
Posterior and inferior to the medial malleolus, in the depression medial to the Achilles tendon, superior to its insertion at the calcaneus.
Zhaohai KID-6
Approximately 1 cun below the medial malleolus tip, over the joint space between the talus and the calcaneus.
