If You Wake Up At The Same Time Of Night All The Time, It Could Reveal Something About Your Health

According to New York Magazine, the tradition of sleeping during the night and being awake during the day is not intrinsic to us. Rather, it’s a learned habit and a modern phenomenon that was established in the 1800s. So, if you find yourself waking up at odds hours of the night, there is no reason to panic. 

The historian Roger Ekirch studied sleep patterns and found that the traditional notion of sleep involved two shifts called “segmented sleep.” In an article published in New York Magazine, Benjamin Reiss explains that between the two segmented sleep periods was period dubbed “quiet wakefulness” that can last over an hour.

The theory stating that sleep is made up of a structure of segmented sleep followed by quiet wakefulness followed by segmented sleep was so widely adopted that it suggested an evolutionary cause. However, either the evolutionary theory can’t stand or certain factors about our environment today have disrupted the pattern of segmented sleep.

If try as you might, but it still feels like you cannot get a full uninterrupted night’s sleep, don’t fret! You are normal. While there are a number of factors that can contribute to uneasy sleep patterns, Chinese medicine can tell us what waking up at specific hours of the night means. If you wake up at these hours, here is what your body is telling you:

Difficulty Sleeping Between 9-10 p.m.? You May Be Stressed:

If you don’t feel relaxed and sleepy at this time, this could be due to stress. Try meditation before you go to bed. Emma Richards of Marie Claire also suggests Yoga Nidra, or sleep meditation, to really usher in the zzz’s.

Are You Waking Up Between 11 p.m. And 1 a.m.? You May Be Experiencing Emotional Disappointment: 

Chinese medicine tells us that the gall bladder, which is linked to how we feel, is active during this time. If you are experiencing this type of sleep disruption, Wikr.com suggests practicing mantras and self-acceptance.

Are You Waking Up Between 1-3 a.m.? It May Mean You Are Angry: 

The Traditional Chinese Medicine Foundation notes that issues with liver functionality are typically associated with anger and frustration. In this case, Wikr.com suggests drinking a cold glass of water as well as practicing meditation in order to help ease the tension.

Waking Up Between 3-5 a.m.? A Higher Power May Be Communicating With You: 

This time of night corresponds to the lungs which are connected to sadness and suggests that a greater power or presence may be relaying a message to you. Being awake at this time may be a sign that a spiritual or divine being is attempting to guide you to a greater purpose.

If you are experiencing deficient lungs or have symptoms including pessimism, self-pity, injustice, and desperation it’s important to reevaluate your worldview. The phrase “able to breathe” is not only about the physical ability to breathe but also refers to the feeling of ease and self-assuredness. Try practicing breathing exercises and meditation to induce sleep.

Are You Waking Up Between 5-7 a.m.? You May Be Experiencing Emotional Blocks: 

This might be related to intestinal health. Intestinal problems are tied to emotional imbalances, according to Stepping Stone Acupuncture and Wellness. “An emotional imbalance in the large intestine energy could manifest as chronic constipation, but it could also manifest as a tendency to hold on to the negative”

Healthy large intestines allow you to better cope with negative thoughts. They allow us to admonish energy or thoughts that don’t serve us or help us grow. This refers to both physical and emotional health. In this case, Wikr.com suggests doing some stretches before attempting to sleep again.

All in all, it is evident that Chinese medicine places emphasis on the union of mind and body. According to its teachings, the way we experience our day-to-day interactions and how they affect us are entirely linked to our physical health. If this speaks to you, it is worth your while to learn more about meditation and the mind-body connection.