Can’t Stay Asleep? Discover the Causes and Natural Solutions
Waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to fall back asleep is a frustrating and exhausting experience. If you find you can’t stay asleep, it may be due to both lifestyle and physiological factors.
Middle-of-the-night wakefulness, also known as sleep maintenance insomnia, can be triggered by stress, anxiety, depression, blood sugar fluctuations, or hormone imbalances. Environmental factors such as noise, light, or temperature changes also contribute.
From a TCM perspective, inability to stay asleep may be a sign of internal disharmony — particularly Liver Qi stagnation or Heart Yin deficiency. These imbalances cause restlessness, vivid dreams, and frequent awakenings. Herbal formulas like Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan are often used to nourish Yin and calm Shen (spirit).
Other non-invasive solutions include limiting caffeine and alcohol, establishing a calming bedtime routine, and maintaining consistent sleep and wake times. Gentle exercise such as Tai Chi or Qigong can improve circulation and help calm the nervous system before bedtime.
For individuals who can’t stay asleep despite healthy habits, natural therapies like acupuncture or herbal sleep tonics can provide deeper, longer-lasting rest without side effects.
Visit Phases Herbal Medicine for expert guidance in creating a personalized sleep restoration plan tailored to your unique constitution.