It's happened to all of us. We get into a pattern of waking and sleeping that has us opening our eyes in the middle of the night.
The room is dark, but sure enough, the clock reads the same time as it did the night before… And the night before that, and the night before that, but how is it that it’s always 3:25am?
Well, according to the The Chinese Meridian Clock, energy runs through a different meridian of your body at different times of day. So if you're waking at a certain time of night, it's thought that there's a blockage because energy can't pass, thus you wake up.
This theory also has roots in the centuries-old Chinese practice of feng shui, which links times of day, parts of the body, and emotional states.
Whether or not you believe in it, this theory offers fascinating insight into the messages your body could be sending you. While this should never take the place of advice from your doctor, it's fun to take a look at what might be causing you to stir. Your body will thank you later.
So, why has your body decided to suddenly nudge you awake in the wee hours, even when you do all the right little tricks, like sleeping on our left side and keeping the room cool?
See what sleep stealers may be standing between you and a good night's rest.
What Is An Internal Clock?
Everyone's body has an internal cycle of waking and sleeping.
The amount of sleep and times of sleep will vary from person to person and will also change with age, with most people needing less sleep as they get older.
In feng shui and according to the Meridian Clock, certain hours of the day are believed to be linked to different body parts.
Why Is Sleep So Important?
We spend about a third of our lives asleep, but it's not a waste of time! In fact, it's necessary for staying alive.
While we sleep, our bodies repair tissue, regulate our hormones, and basically tune themselves up for the next day. Without proper sleep, you're not going to be very healthy. Of course, all good sleep starts with a great mattress, like The Casper mattress, which is designed for all sleepers.
So then, why would your body wake itself up in the wee hours when you should be getting your beauty sleep?
Nighttime Internal Clock 9pm - 11pm: Thyroid
If you wake during these times, your thyroid may be acting up.
Early stages of sleep sees our endocrine rebalance itself, so if you have trouble sleeping early on in the night, it may be that you're having trouble calming down enough to sleep. The adrenal glands are responsible for the fight-or-flight hormone — adrenaline.
Waking up during these times could mean that something needs to be confronted. It's time to let go of anything holding you back and find that inner zen.
11pm - 1am: Gall Bladder
Your gall bladder produces bile, which is needed during digestion and absorption. AKA, you need it to help break down everything you ate during Taco Tuesday. (It was so worth it!)
But if you're waking up during this time, it may mean that you'll want to skip those extra spicy dishes next time. Your gall bladder will thank you.
1am - 3am: Liver
Between the hours of 1 and 3am is when the body cleans itself out, removing waste materials from the blood and other tissues.
Your liver is the big organ in charge of detoxing, so waking up during this time can mean that you're backed up with "waste" in the form of negative emotions, and that you need to process them in order to flush them out.
Consider also being nice to your liver, drinking plenty of water and cutting down on alcohol and caffeine.
3am - 5am: Lungs
During this time, blood and oxygen is pumped into the muscles, replenishing cells with vital oxygen. This replenishment makes sure they're good to go again and refreshed. It's the time when the lungs are attempting to clear and heal.
According to the Meridian Clock, if you keep waking up at this time, meditation may be the key to help you sleep better. It can help you to better process emotions and help your body, mind and spirit. Say it with us, Ommmm!
5am - 7am: Large Intestine
Like the liver, the large intestine clears waste from the body and is the final stop for any unwanted food products.
If you wake up during this time, it is believed to indicate that you may need to "let go" of something – both physically and emotionally. It's time to start the day fresh and commit to letting go of the things that are holding you back from reaching your greatest potential.
If you notice that you're waking up in the middle of the night, consider what you've been doing that may contribute to it. This includes diet, habits, relationships, and stress. Even an improper mattress may prevent you from enjoying deep, restorative sleep.
If you think the bed might be the issue, it may be time for an upgrade. Casper is offering a risk-free 100-night trial guarantee that every night is full of slumber, or you get your money back. Try it today, and get $50 off a mattress with the code LT50.
You might find you're sleeping better.
SHARE these tips to help someone else tune into their body and get a restful night's sleep.
