“Not again…”

“Seriously?!…”

“Why this time?”

If your nocturnal alarm clock wakes you at the same time every night, the frustration is real. If you are thinking it is because of a fixed pattern or rhyme, then you are right. It’s not something random, and Chinese Medicine has the correct explanation for it.

WHAT’S THE BODY CLOCK?

Chinese Medicine states that in a 24-hour day, our circadian rhythms are divided into 2-hour intervals. During each time period, the concentration of qi (energy) and blood spikes in a particular internal organ so that it can restart and synchronize. This is important for sleep because:

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), waking up at the same time may reflect shifts in energy flow within certain organ systems.

You might say your body is working to restore balance when one of its systems is out of sync. Similarly, consistently staying up too late may disrupt the body’s natural rhythms and make it harder to reset. This can create a challenging cycle over time. So, how do you interrupt it? Start by listening when your body sends the signal — it's time to begin.

When you're eager for better sleep, it's natural to explore quick solutions. Many people have shared that before trying acupuncture, they relied on sleep aids that left them feeling groggy or didn’t align with their long-term goals. Acupuncture may help promote a sense of calm and relaxation. But instead of fighting your discomfort, have you considered what it might be trying to tell you?

Of course, discomfort or unrest may reflect shifts in internal energy or organ system balance.

Pay attention to when these signs appear and explore what might be contributing to them — that’s the first step toward understanding and addressing them.

This is why the Chinese Medicine Body Clock can be a helpful tool — it offers insight into which organ systems may be out of balance and how that might relate to the body's natural rhythms.

Look at the hours when you wake up, as your body might be informing you of something…

SO, WHY DO I WAKE UP AT THE SAME TIME EVERY NIGHT?

7PM - 9PM | PERICARDIUM

The muscle surrounding the heart is called the Pericardium. In TCM, it is known as the “great wrapper.” It provides insulation for the heart, regulates circulation in the major vessels going to and from it, while also supporting the heart’s energetic balance and emotional resilience. Energetically, the Pericardium is our heart’s protector. Similar to a bodyguard, it analyzes the room and determines the safe place. It is believed to energetically help manage emotional fluctuations according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The Pericardium rules self-expression, boundaries, and vulnerability.

EMOTIONS

Balanced: Joy, Confidence, Openness, Self-Acceptance
Imbalanced: Mania, Despair, Fear of Expression & Intimacy

POSSIBLE SIGNS

Nervous laughter, Hypervigilance, Phobias, Nausea, Vomiting, Relationship Fears, Hopelessness, Vertigo.

TIPS

This is a good time to start winding down for the night, ideal for reconnecting to loved ones and yourself. Eat a light dinner or snack; Enjoy meaningful conversation. Establish some nurturing rituals at this time: a skincare routine, gratitude journaling, mindful introspection, etc.

REFLECTION

What is your heart’s desire? What would make you feel joyful in life? How will you develop a fixed space in your life so you can put effort or experience it? How can you safely express your fears so that they no longer have a hold on you?

9 PM - 11 PM | TRIPLE BURNER

The Triple Burner (also called Triple Energizer) is not only a single organ but also it is a network that manages our body’s fluid metabolism. Related to our lymphatic and endocrine systems, the Triple Burner ensures free flow and communication between all of our organ systems in the thorax, abdomen, and pelvis (Upper, Middle, and Lower Burners, respectively). From a biomedical view, its physical form is our connective tissue (collagen and fascia), which is liquid-crystalline and semi-conductive in nature, allowing signals to be exchanged throughout the body. Vigorously, the Triple Burner relates to self-regulation, coordination, and harmony. It focuses on your original self as well as what you think the world perceives about you. It manifests your capability to take in (Upper), transform (Middle), and eliminate (Lower) what belongs to you and what doesn’t.

EMOTIONS

Balanced: Discernment, Friendliness, Cooperative
Imbalanced: Suspicion, Guilt, Stubbornness, Confusion, Dogmatic

POSSIBLE SIGNS

Occasional fluid retention, Feelings of heaviness or sluggishness, Low energy levels, Feeling physically drained or overworked, Generalized discomfort or body sensitivity, Challenges with focus and clarity, Occasional head or ear discomfort, Sensitivity to temperature shifts, Mild nerve-related sensations.

Like the Pericardium (which is closely related to the Triple Burner), feeling safe is needed to fall asleep here. This is the time when your mind is anxious to fall asleep, and if you do, you will wake up immediately. These circumstances may be associated with increased feelings of stress or difficulty relaxing before bed. You might be internalizing stress and other people’s energy from that day.

TIPS

If you think this is you, try getting to bed earlier and use the tips from the Pericardium time (above) to relax and comfort your nervous system. At this time, strictly avoid screen time, especially social media and news, where you actively involve and ruminate on other people’s lives + global issues. If you are noise sensitive, try earplugs. If you are more anxious, a weighted blanket can help create a sense of comfort and safety to help you sleep more soundly.

REFLECTION

Are you internalizing other people’s perceptions, expectations, and emotions? Can you allow yourself to feel safe and rest so you can have the energy needed for tomorrow?

11PM - 1 AM | GALLBLADDER

The Gallbladder excretes bile to assist in digestion. In Chinese Medicine, it governs the sinews (muscles, tendons, ligaments) and their strength. Energetically, the Gallbladder is in charge of judgment and decision-making. It provides the courage and initiative to carry out tasks so our lives can run smoothly. It also rules dreams. This is why having peaceful sleep at this time is important, as it supports healthy cognitive functioning and cellular repair.

EMOTIONS

Balanced: Optimism, Initiative, Courage, Assertive, Committed
Imbalanced: Cynicism, Bitterness, Timidity, Indecisiveness, Procrastination

POSSIBLE SIGNS

Tendonitis, Temporal Headaches, Occasional digestive discomfort, Indigestion (especially after rich, fatty meals), Gas, Bloating, Cravings for greasy foods, Rib-side pain, Indecision, Poor Judgement, Occasional nervousness or restlessness, Shyness, Dream-Disturbed sleep, Brain Fog, Dizziness

Waking at this time may reflect patterns related to decision-making or strong emotional responses. It might also be connected to late-night eating habits, particularly meals that are heavy, fried, or highly processed, which can affect how the body feels during rest.

TIPS

Try eating a smaller portioned dinner a few hours before bed so your Gallbladder is not trying to digest food during this time. Consider getting healthier oils in your diet from avocados, coconut, olives, nuts, fish, quality meat, etc. Increase intake of bitter leafy vegetables (dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, kale, escarole, endive) and sour flavors like unfiltered apple-cider vinegar and lemon juice. Avoid trans-fats; limit fried + processed foods.

REFLECTION

Is there a decision you are struggling with? Are you overburdened by having too many responsibilities in your waking hours? If yes, what measures do you take to mitigate or turn over decisions to relax your mind? What judgments can you let go of? Where can you have more compassion?

1 AM - 3 AM | LIVER

The Liver is responsible for filtering blood and processing chemicals ingested from our food, environment, drugs, household cleaners, toiletries, cosmetics, etc. The Liver also keeps our sex, thyroid, and adrenal hormones in balance. In Chinese Medicine, we relate these roles comprehensively as the Liver confirms the seamless circulation of qi and blood. It appears in the eyes, hair, and nails. Energetically, the Liver acts as our body’s Controller (I passionately relate the organ to a Type-A personality). It thrives on planning, organization, and structure to help us get things done from everyday demands to materializing our dreams. It is negatively affected by everyday stress. Because of the Liver’s role in “clearing,” when overworked, it becomes stagnant, leading to health issues characterized by poor processing and circulation.

EMOTIONS

Balanced: Inspiration, Clear Vision, Faith, Diligence
Imbalanced: Anger, Frustration, Irritability, Resentment, Feeling Stuck

POSSIBLE SIGNS

Occasional mood swings, emotional fluctuations, temporary discomfort, tenderness, sensitivity to light, visual changes, brittle nails, thinning hair, tension in the upper body, ribcage, cold hands and feet, temporary skin changes, redness in the eyes, facial flushing, feelings of being overwhelmed, reactive emotions, sensations of tightness in the throat.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, waking at certain times during the night may reflect how your body is processing what you've consumed — including rich foods or alcohol — and could signal that your system is working harder to restore balance.

Side note: Many people believe alcohol helps them fall asleep more easily. While it may promote initial drowsiness, it can also disrupt restful sleep later in the night, particularly between 1–3 a.m., a time some traditions associate with the body's natural processing rhythms. The same concept applies when using certain medications or over-the-counter pain relievers, which often include warnings about potential effects on liver health. Every day, we come into contact with a variety of substances through air, water, household products, and cosmetics. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, consistent exposure to certain environmental and lifestyle factors may place additional burden on the body’s natural detoxification processes, especially those associated with the Liver.

TIPS

Moderate alcohol consumption. Exercise frequently (little to no movement goes side by side with emotional inactivity). Take short breaks from desk work. Use blue-light blocking glasses as they relieve eye strain. Practice deep breathing during difficult moments. Find healing ways to express your emotions instead of letting them stay inside. Download the app Think Dirty to find cleaner home and personal products—you can look up the rating and ingredients on ones you already use, plus scan store items before bringing them home (not affiliated, just highly recommend it).

REFLECTION

What is creating congestion in your life? Are you a regular drinker of alcohol during the week or before bed? Would you be willing to investigate and switch to cleaner household and personal items that safer for your health? Are you harboring frustrations and resentment? If yes, how do you cater to them so they don’t trap you anymore?

3 AM - 5 AM | LUNGS

The Lungs regulate breathing, distribute oxygen to the blood, and govern our immune system by circulating the body’s Defensive Qi. In Chinese Medicine, the Lungs maintain boundaries between our internal and external environment by controlling the skin and sweat glands’ ability to detox. The Lungs also control our voice and sense of smell. Energetically, they relate to communication, receiving, releasing, and protection.

EMOTIONS

Balanced: Acceptance, Surrender, Clarity
Imbalanced: Grief, Sadness, Nostalgia

POSSIBLE SIGNS

Extended periods of Sadness and Grief, Shortness of breath, Prolonged Sweating (or lack of), Allergies, Low voice, crying, Chest Pain, Occasional skin concerns like dryness or blemishes, Tension or discomfort in the back of the head, Low energy or fatigue, Difficulty managing certain habits. 

Waking at this time may be associated with temporary respiratory discomfort or sensitivity to environmental factors for some people. It can also indicate an emotional transition, with unresolved feelings that may need attention or processing.

TIPS

If you intentionally wake up at these hours to start your day, it's a perfect time to practice some deep breathing or meditation. If not, consider adopting some light physical activity during the day to improve your lung capacity: walking, yoga, meditation. If you are having difficulty working through grief and loss, consider whether talking to a counselor would be helpful for you.

REFLECTION

Are you fighting a cold or coming down with one? Are you struggling with loss or sadness? How can you manage time and space to process it?

5AM - 7AM | LARGE INTESTINE

The Large Intestine is responsible for elimination. It collectively works with the Lungs to purify the body of food waste, toxins, excess hormones, and even our emotions. It vigorously depicts the ability to “let go” and release the power of control. A lot of people normally wake up between these hours, but if that is abnormal for your sleep patterns, consider the Large Intestine’s meaning, which might lend some insight.

EMOTIONS

Balanced: Releasing, Ability to Express Emotions (including crying), Flexibility. Imbalanced: Rigidity, Stubbornness, Controlling, Inability to Let Go

POSSIBLE SIGNS

Occasional irregularity or sluggish digestion, Sensitivity to certain foods, Occasional loose stools or bloating, Occasional digestive discomfort, Feelings of low energy or tiredness, Occasional rectal discomfort

In Chinese Medicine, the Large Intestine and the Lungs are closely related so waking at this time represents bottled feelings of grief or sadness, or also a need for control. Focus on your diet and water intake if you see irregular bowel movements during this time or throughout the day.

TIPS

Drink more water (general recommendation is half of you body weight in ounces a day), regular exercise, get natural fiber from vegetables and dark leafy greens, avoid many cold-raw foods and cold drinks which can constrict intestines + slow gastric motility, eat more warm + cooked foods

REFLECTION

What are you holding onto? Are you decluttering and allowing new things in your life? What are your expectations of others? Do you allow people to express their original self or let a situation happen without deliberately changing the outcome?

Can acupuncture support better sleep quality?

Acupuncture offers a holistic approach to supporting restful sleep by addressing both the surface-level signs that keep you up at night and the imbalances that may be contributing to them — supporting both mind and body.

From a biomedical perspective, acupuncture has been studied for its potential to support the body's natural sleep cycle, which may be linked to improved restfulness and overall sleep quality. Research has demonstrated that acupuncture may help promote restful sleep as part of a holistic wellness routine. In certain studies, combining acupuncture with other wellness approaches has shown promising results compared to using those approaches alone. A key benefit of acupuncture is its potential to help calm the mind and encourage a more balanced state of relaxation. Scientific studies suggest that acupuncture may help promote a shift from a heightened state of stress (sympathetic activity) to a more relaxed, restorative state (parasympathetic), potentially supporting overall relaxation and balance. It improves your Heart Rate Variability (HRV), which measures your nervous system’s ability to switch between these two modes at appropriate times. The challenge with sleep difficulties is that they often arise when the body remains in a heightened state of alertness, making it hard to unwind. This can affect overall well-being, as research suggests a connection between disrupted sleep patterns and factors such as mood, recovery, and energy levels throughout the day.

It’s no surprise that your stress levels and emotional state directly affect your sleep. For centuries, Chinese Medicine has understood how emotions can manifest physically as symptoms and vice versa, how our physical well-being can determine our psychology. From stress and emotional challenges to navigating life transitions, I offer guidance and practical tools to help clients find balance and enhance their well-being.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.