Sleep is one of the four pillars of health (sleep, nutrition, movement, stress management)—and, quite frankly, the most important. When we don’t get enough of it, everything suffers. Research shows that quality sleep is essential for the body’s repair mechanisms, which occur during the deeper stages of sleep—and when disrupted, these processes are impaired, leading to systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, hormone imbalances, digestive distress, mood instability, and a weakened immune system.
Quality sleep is especially important as we age, and now, during spring—what Chinese Medicine refers to as Wood season.
SLEEP & WOOD SEASON
In Chinese Medicine, sleep and the Wood season (spring) are deeply connected through the Liver, the organ associated with the Wood element. Spring represents renewal, growth, and movement—just like the Liver’s role in ensuring the smooth flow of Qi (energy) and Blood throughout the body. When the Liver is in balance, sleep is restful and restorative. But if the Liver is stagnant or overburdened—whether from stress, toxins, or emotional strain—sleep can become disrupted.
Common Sleep Disruptions in Spring
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Waking between 1-3 am This is the Liver’s peak time in the Chinese Medicine body clock. If you’re consistently waking during these hours, it may signal Liver Qi stagnation, often caused by pent-up frustration, overwork, or emotional stress.
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Restless sleep with vivid dreams The Liver stores and regulates Blood, which nourishes the Shen (spirit). When the Liver is overheated or deficient, it can lead to disturbed sleep with intense dreams or night waking.
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Difficulty falling asleep due to racing thoughts The Liver is closely tied to planning, decision-making, and forward movement. If Liver Qi is constrained, it can manifest as an overactive mind at bedtime.
Ideas for Supporting Quality Sleep
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Regulate stress & emotions Since the Liver is easily affected by stress and frustration, practices like gentle movement (qigong, yoga, walking) and deep breathing can help soothe Liver Qi.
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Lighten the diet Spring is the time for cleansing and renewal. Reducing heavy, greasy foods and incorporating bitter greens (dandelion, mustard greens, nettles) supports Liver function and promotes restful sleep. Maybe it’s time for an Ayurveda Consultation?
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Create a bedtime wind-down ritual Since the Wood element is about movement, an overactive Liver can make it hard to settle at night. Acupressure on Liver 3 (Taichong) and herbal formulas like Free & Easy Wanderer (Xiao Yao San)can help smooth the flow of Qi and ease sleep disruptions.
Additionally, the sleep one experiences during an acupuncture treatment is uniquely restorative—somewhere between deep rest and a meditative state. As the needles work to regulate the nervous system, many people drift into a state of profound relaxation, often described as a “healing nap.” Unlike typical sleep, where the mind cycles through different stages, acupuncture-induced rest allows the body to shift effortlessly into parasympathetic mode, calming stress, easing tension, and promoting cellular repair. Even if it lasts only 20 to 30 minutes, this kind of rest can leave a person feeling more refreshed than a full night’s sleep.
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This deep relaxation occurs because acupuncture helps regulate Qi (energy) flow, releasing blockages that may contribute to mental or physical fatigue. By balancing the body's internal rhythms, it encourages a natural reset—reducing cortisol, improving circulation, and fostering a sense of ease that lingers long after the session ends. Whether it’s a light doze or a full-on nap, the sleep during acupuncture is more than just rest—it’s an active part of the healing process.
Sleep & Wood Season & Aging
Prioritizing sleep isn’t just about feeling better—it’s a key factor in aging well. For women in perimenopause and postmenopause, sleep disturbances are especially common due to hormonal fluctuations that affect melatonin production, cortisol balance, and thermoregulation.
However, deep sleep is when the body regenerates skin cells, supports collagen production, and reduces inflammation, all of which impact skin elasticity and overall appearance. It’s also critical for cognitive function, helping to consolidate memory, process emotions, and maintain mental sharpness. Additionally, poor sleep can exacerbate brain fog, mood swings, and metabolic changes, making it harder to maintain energy levels and overall well-being.
Needless to say, as we age, quality sleep becomes even more essential. It’s not just about feeling rested—it’s about repair, resilience, and longevity. When you’re ready to address the underlying causes that keep you from quality sleep, Boketto Founder, Jelena Nikolajevic, can advise and support you on this journey.
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