How TCM Views Sleep Issues After the Time Change | Acupunctury Santa Monica
- Stella de Stefanis
- Nov 3
- 4 min read
Discover how Traditional Chinese Medicine explains sleep disturbances after the Daylight Saving time change. Learn gentle TCM-based lifestyle tips, acupressure therapy, and holistic strategies to rebalance your sleep cycle naturally at Acupunctury in Santa Monica.
As California sets the clock back one hour for the end of Daylight Saving Time, many of us feel a subtle shift - maybe you’re sleepy earlier than usual, or waking at odd hours. From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this isn’t just a one-hour inconvenience - it’s a small disruption to your body’s internal rhythm, the delicate balance between yin and yang energy.
At Acupunctury, we view sleep as the body’s most restorative process - the time when yin energy (rest, repair, stillness) takes over from yang energy (activity, movement, alertness). When the rhythm of nature changes - daylight, temperature, or time - it can affect this balance. The good news: small, intentional habits can help your system recalibrate and restore restful sleep.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Understands Sleep
In TCM, sleep problems are signs that the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood are not fully harmonized between the organ systems. Each organ follows a 24-hour energetic clock, so if your rhythm is off, you might find yourself waking at the same time every night or struggling to fall asleep.
Some of the most common TCM patterns behind poor sleep include:
Heart and Spleen Qi Deficiency: Difficulty falling asleep, fatigue, overthinking, light sleep, and frequent dreaming.
Liver Qi Stagnation Transforming into Fire: Waking between 1–3 a.m., irritability, restlessness, and vivid dreams.
Kidney Yin Deficiency: Hot flashes, night sweats, and a racing mind at bedtime.
Rather than treating “insomnia” as one problem, TCM looks at the root imbalance in the body. Through acupuncture and lifestyle + nutritional guidance, we work to calm the mind, nourish yin energy, and promote deeper, more restorative sleep.
Why the Time Change Disrupts Sleep
Our internal clock, or circadian rhythm, is closely tied to sunlight and consistent habits. When we “fall back,” that rhythm temporarily loses sync with the natural cycle. From a TCM perspective, this can disturb the Liver (which regulates the smooth flow of Qi) and the Heart (which houses the Shen - or spirit).
That’s why you might feel groggy in the morning, alert late at night, or just “off.” Instead of forcing your schedule, this is a chance to gently realign - to slow down, ground, and support your body’s transition into shorter days and longer nights.
TCM Lifestyle Tips to Rebalance After the Time Change
1. Create a Calming Evening Ritual
Dim lights at least an hour before bed to help your body shift from yang to yin. Try a warm foot soak for 15–20 minutes to calm the nervous system and encourage circulation. Afterward, gently massage the acupressure point Yong Quan (Kidney 1) on the soles of your feet - known in TCM for grounding the mind and easing anxiety.
2. Eat Lighter and Earlier
In TCM, the Spleen and Stomach govern digestion and energy. Eating late or heavy meals can create internal “heat” that disturbs sleep. Aim to finish dinner at least 2–3 hours before bed, and choose calming, yin-nourishing foods such as steamed vegetables, tofu, or bone broth. As we move into cooler weather, it is the perfect time for soups and stews!
3. Move Qi During the Day
Gentle movement - stretching, yoga, or Qi Gong - supports Liver Qi flow and helps prevent emotional stagnation that often shows up at night. Try to get morning sunlight exposure to anchor your internal clock and promote natural melatonin production later in the day.
4. Support the Shen (Spirit)
Before bed, spend a few minutes on deep breathing: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 2, and exhale for 6. This slows the heart rate and calms the Shen for peaceful sleep. Journaling or light reading can also help quiet a busy mind.
5. Keep a Consistent Schedule
Your body thrives on rhythm. Going to bed and waking at the same time each day - even on weekends - strengthens your circadian rhythm and balances yin and yang energy.
How Acupuncture Can Help
Acupuncture naturally supports the body’s ability to regulate itself. Points such as An Mian (“peaceful sleep”) near the ear and Heart 7 (Shen Men) on the wrist are traditionally used to calm the mind, reduce nervous-system overactivity, and improve sleep quality.
At Acupunctury in Santa Monica, each treatment is personalized to your constitution and sleep pattern. Whether you’re waking at 3 a.m., struggling to fall asleep, or not feeling rested despite a full night’s sleep, we address both the root cause and the symptoms to bring the body back into balance - gently, naturally, and effectively.
Final Thoughts
Even small shifts like the end of Daylight Saving Time can affect our energy, mood, and sleep. In TCM, we see this as the body’s invitation to pause - to nurture yin energy, embrace rest, and realign with nature’s rhythm.
When sleep feels elusive, it’s often your body’s way of asking for balance. With acupuncture, mindful rituals, and seasonal alignment, you can restore deep, nourishing rest and start each day grounded and calm.
Ready to Restore Your Sleep Rhythm?
If the time change has left you feeling off balance, we’d love to support you. Book a session at Acupunctury to realign your sleep cycle, calm the nervous system, and restore harmony to your body.
📞 Call/Text: (424) 252-1210
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📍 Address: 1150 Yale St, Suite 10, Santa Monica, CA 90403
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Each individual is unique, and acupuncture treatments are always tailored to the person’s specific needs. If you are experiencing a health concern, please consult a licensed healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of care.