Sometimes, More is More

One of my favorite prescriptions to write is "sleep more”, especially this time of year, when people often come into the clinic saying "I’m so tired”, "I can’t seem to wake up in the morning” and the like. Of course, there are many reasons for fatigue, but generally when I hear this complaint during Autumn and Winter, I say "Great - your body is right on schedule!”

It is entirely normal to want to sleep more this time of year. Despite all the conveniences of modern living which allow us to live without much regard for the cycles of day and night (that’s why electricity was invented, right?), our bodies have been taking note of the days getting shorter since the Summer Solstice. 

From now until mid-March, the nights are longer than the days, Yin predominates over Yang, and our bodies, in their inherent wisdom, are telling us to honor this cyclical shift by sleeping more. Not necessarily because there is something wrong, but in fact because something is right.

Your "prescription” for the week, and the next several months: sleep more. Doesn’t have to be a lot more (though if your body wants that, listen up); even an additional 30 minutes can make a big difference. If sleeping more makes you feel guilty, rest assured (pun intended:), that when sleeping, you are being VERY productive: repairing and replacing damaged cells, clearing out metabolic waste products and replenishing your reservoir of qi. This is exactly what allows you to go out and do all that you do during the day. 

Of course, if you have trouble other than occasional insomnia, that is a pattern of imbalance that needs to be addressed; fortunately, Chinese Medicine is great for treating sleep problems, and we have a team of practitioners ready to help you. 

Living with the seasons,
Kirstin Lindquist  
Owner, Licensed Acupucturist