Nighttime Salivation, Frequent Dreams, and Tossing and Turning? Be Wary of Spleen Deficiency!In our fast-paced lives, we often neglect our health, and sleep problems are a common concern for many. Nighttime salivation, frequent dreams, and difficulty falling asleep, these seemingly ordinary sleep phenomena may be hiding signs of spleen deficiency
Nighttime Salivation, Frequent Dreams, and Tossing and Turning? Be Wary of Spleen Deficiency!
In our fast-paced lives, we often neglect our health, and sleep problems are a common concern for many. Nighttime salivation, frequent dreams, and difficulty falling asleep, these seemingly ordinary sleep phenomena may be hiding signs of spleen deficiency.
I. Nighttime Salivation: A Warning of Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Retention
Have you ever woken up to find your pillow damp? This could be due to you unconsciously salivating in your sleep, known as "nighttime drooling" in Chinese medicine. In TCM theory, the spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting nutrients and fluids in the body. When the spleen function weakens, fluid metabolism becomes abnormal, leading to fluid accumulation in the body, resulting in "dampness retention."
Initially, you might only feel a sticky sensation in your mouth and a swollen tongue. As dampness accumulates, it can cause nighttime salivation. This is because spleen deficiency prevents proper fluid drainage, causing it to overflow and leak out of the mouth during sleep.
II. Frequent Dreams and Difficulty Staying Asleep: Manifestation of Spleen Deficiency and Blood Deficiency
Good sleep is the foundation of health, but if you find yourself frequently dreaming and feeling exhausted upon waking, it could be a sign of spleen deficiency. The spleen and stomach are the source of Qi and Blood. When the spleen and stomach are deficient in Qi and Blood, the blood cannot adequately nourish the mind, leading to mental restlessness. This instability manifests in dreams and difficulty staying asleep at night, significantly affecting sleep quality.
Spleen deficiency can also lead to heart and spleen deficiency, resulting in a lack of nourishment to the mind and symptoms such as palpitations, insomnia, and forgetfulness. If you experience chronic poor sleep quality accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion, and other symptoms, be aware of the possibility of spleen deficiency.
III. Tossing and Turning: The Sleep Killer of Spleen and Stomach Disharmony
"If the stomach is not in harmony, one cannot lie down comfortably" is an ancient TCM proverb. When the spleen and stomach functions are weak, the digestive function is also affected. After dinner, food may not be digested promptly and accumulates in the stomach, forming a blockage. This discomfort can cause symptoms such as heartburn, nausea, bloating, and abdominal pain, severely interfering with your sleep quality. You may find yourself tossing and turning in bed, unable to fall asleep.
Moreover, spleen and stomach deficiency can lead to upward movement of stomach Qi, causing belching, nausea, and vomiting, further exacerbating sleep disorders. If you frequently experience stomach discomfort before bed or feel bloated after waking up, be wary of potential spleen and stomach function issues.
IV. Spleen Deficiency and Sleep Problems: How to Improve?
Sleep problems caused by spleen deficiency require addressing the underlying spleen and stomach imbalance. Here are some suggestions to improve spleen and stomach function and subsequently enhance sleep quality:
- Dietary Adjustments:
- Avoid raw, greasy, and spicy foods to prevent further burdening the spleen and stomach.
- Consume spleen-tonifying foods like yam, lotus seeds, gorgon nut, millet, and coix seed.
- Eat regularly and avoid overeating and eating too quickly.
- Lifestyle Adjustments:
- Maintain a cheerful mood and avoid excessive work, balancing work and rest.
- Engage in appropriate exercise to enhance spleen and stomach function and promote digestion and absorption.
- Avoid strenuous exercise before bedtime to prevent overstimulation and impair sleep.
- TCM Treatment:
- Consult a TCM practitioner to choose suitable herbs to tonify the spleen and stomach.
- Consider TCM therapies like moxibustion and acupuncture to warm and tonify the spleen and stomach, improving sleep.
Conclusion:
Sleep is the cornerstone of health, and spleen deficiency can significantly affect sleep quality, subsequently impacting overall health. If you experience nighttime salivation, frequent dreams, and difficulty falling asleep, it's crucial to pay attention to your spleen and stomach health. Improve spleen and stomach function through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and TCM treatments to enhance sleep quality and regain healthy sleep.
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