Spring is a season of growth, when yang energy rises and liver fire becomes active. This can lead to symptoms like insomnia, vivid dreams, difficulty falling asleep, dizziness, and irritability. If liver fire and yang energy aren't properly regulated, insomnia may occur. Therefore, the best way to address springtime insomnia is to nourish the liver and reduce liver fire.
To avoid insomnia, establish healthy habits: resist daytime napping even when tired. Limit rest to a half-hour afternoon nap and avoid lying in bed otherwise. Excessive daytime sleep not only hinders mental rejuvenation but also disrupts nighttime rest.
Additionally, incorporate regular exercise. Sweating during physical activity helps expel excess toxins and expend excess energy. However, avoid exercising right before bedtime, as it may worsen insomnia.
Before sleep, steer clear of emotionally stimulating entertainment like horror movies or novels. Limit spicy or stimulating foods. Stimulants such as bubble tea, coffee, or strong tea are best consumed before noon.
To fall asleep smoothly, consider drinking a cup of warm milk before bed and limit water intake. After soaking your feet in hot water, get into bed immediately without reading or using your phone. Of course, if reading helps you sleep faster, opt for more monotonous books.
Massaging certain acupressure points before bed can also aid sleep. Commonly used points include Sanyinjiao (SP6), Yongquan (KI1), Taichong (LR3), Yintang (EX-HN5), and the temples.
Beyond cultivating good habits, dietary therapy can also help ward off insomnia.
Those struggling with sleep should incorporate foods with calming properties, such as lily bulbs, lotus seeds, millet, red dates, and milk. Preparing herbal teas for daily consumption can also gradually regulate sleep patterns. Individuals experiencing insomnia may find the following teas beneficial.
1.Chrysanthemum and Goji Berry Tea
Regularly drinking tea brewed with chrysanthemum and goji berries helps clear liver heat, soothe emotions, and effectively regulates springtime insomnia.
3. Longan Tea
Brewing longan flesh with rock sugar into tea and drinking one cup daily can calm the mind and strengthen the spleen.
4. Schisandra and Jujube Seed Tea
Boiling schisandra berries and raw jujube seeds together in water improves sleep quality.
Beyond these teas, certain medicinal congees can also help ward off insomnia, such as the following two recipes.
1. Longan and Euryale Seed Porridge
Ingredients: Longan, euryale seed, glutinous rice, jujube seed, honey.
Preparation: Wash longan, euryale seed, glutinous rice, and jujube seed. Place all ingredients in a pot with water and simmer into porridge. Add honey to taste before serving.This porridge nourishes the brain and kidneys, offering effective relief for insomnia caused by nervous exhaustion in the elderly.
2. Polygala and Jujube Seed Porridge
Ingredients: Polygala root, roasted jujube seeds, japonica rice.
Preparation: Wash ingredients, place in a pot, add water, and simmer into porridge. This porridge helps calm the mind and strengthen the brain, suitable for insomnia and forgetfulness caused by blood deficiency.
Insomnia is a painful experience. To overcome it, gradually cultivate good sleep habits, supplemented by some dietary therapy recipes. Slow, consistent nourishment is key to achieving restful sleep.