Sleepwalkingaccording to TCM

What is Sleepwalking?

Sleepwalking, also known as somnambulism or noctambulism, is a sleep disorder falling under the category of parasomnias. It involves performing complex behaviors while in a state of partial arousal from deep sleep, often with no subsequent memory of the activities.

Common behaviors during sleepwalking episodes include walking, talking, or performing routine tasks. The person sleepwalking usually appears awake, though they are in a sleep state and not fully conscious. Sleepwalking is more common in children and adolescents and can be triggered by various factors, including stress, sleep deprivation, and certain medications.

How does TCM view Sleepwalking?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches sleepwalking as a symptom of underlying disharmonies within the body's energy systems. TCM views sleepwalking as an indication of imbalance, particularly in the Heart and Liver systems, which are responsible for housing the mind and regulating emotions, respectively.

Unlike Western medicine that often focuses on neurological and environmental factors, TCM emphasizes restoring internal harmony and balance through various treatments, acknowledging that sleepwalking can be caused by different patterns of disharmony.

Causes of Sleepwalking According to TCM

In TCM, sleepwalking is often attributed to specific internal imbalances. One common cause is Heart Blood Deficiency, where the heart, which houses the mind (Shen), lacks adequate nourishment, leading to disturbances like sleepwalking. This condition is often accompanied by other symptoms such as anxiety or forgetfulness.

Another related cause is Liver Blood Deficiency, which can disrupt the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, resulting in sleep disturbances. Understanding these patterns is key in TCM, as it informs the choice of treatment and herbs to restore balance and address the root cause of sleepwalking.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sleepwalking

TCM uses various formulas to address the underlying causes of sleepwalking. For patterns like Heart Blood Deficiency, formulas such as Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, which includes Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), are employed. This formula is known for its ability to nourish the Heart and calm the mind.

In cases of Liver Blood Deficiency, Suan Zao Ren Tang, featuring Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), is commonly used. Additionally, for heat-related patterns, Bai He Di Huang Tang with Lily Bulbs (Bai He) is recommended to clear Heat from Deficiency. These TCM treatments aim to restore internal balance and consequently alleviate sleepwalking symptoms.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sleepwalking, organized by formula type.

TCM Herbs for Sleepwalking

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address sleepwalking, organized by herb category.