Summer is the season of abundance. It is that time of year when qi (energy ) is at its fullest. Summer is also a time when some of us may struggle to have a good night's rest because of high temperatures. With longer days and warmer weather it may be challenging to get enough good zzz. Here are 3 tips from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help you sleep better during the summer.
Balance Your Yin and Yang Energies
In TCM the concept of yinyang represents the balance between opposing yet complementary forces. Yin energies are cooling restful and quiet. Yang energies are active, hot and warming. During summertime, our external environment is hot and yang dominant. To promote better sleep it is essential to balance the external heat of summer with internal coolness and nourishing yin energy. Take cool or cold showers before bed to help reduce body temperature. The drop in body temperature after a cold shower promotes relaxation and can aid in helping the body to get to sleep faster. Create a calming cool environment for sleep. Keep blinds closed during the day to keep your sleeping and living environment cool. Use light weight breathable moisture wicking bedding sheets to help keep the body from overheating. One Forbes 2024 article mentions sheets made from materials such as cotton, bamboo, linen, lyocell, viscose and rayon make good cooling sheets. The latter three—lyocell, viscose and rayon—also have a slightly cool-to-the-touch feel.
2. Regulate Your Diet
In TCM diet plays a significant role in maintaining overall health and sleep quality. During the summer months it is important to consume light, easily digestible foods that help clear heat and nourish the body. Avoid heavy, greasy, spicy foods especially during dinner time as they can lead to indigestion and interrupt sleep. Instead opt for light cooling foods that can be enjoyed at room temperature. Explore fresh green salads or grain salad recipes and use lots of water rich vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, celery and iceberg lettuce etc. Herbal teas can also be used to help cool the body on hot summer days. Think of green tea lemonades and herbal teas made from peppermint and chrysanthemum. Drink lots of water and healthy liquids to stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic beverages close to bedtime as alcohol is considered a hot substance in TCM that can interfere with sleep.
3. Practice Mind-Body Exercises
Mind- body practices such as tai chi, qi gong and some pranayama (breathing exercises) can be beneficial for improving sleep quality. Tai chi and qigong help balance the body's energy, reduce stress and promote relaxation. Regular practice of these exercises during the summer months can help regulate body temperature, calm the mind and prepare the body for restful sleep. Simple breathing techniques such as sitali pranayama and lion's breaths can also help prepare the body for restful sleep. Incorporate these practices into your evening routine to reap the sleep- enhancing benefits.
In conclusion Traditional Chinese Medicine offers valuable insights and practices to improve sleep quality during the hotter summer months. At North West Vibrational Acupuncture and Massage in Calgary north west we are happy to help you with your health concerns. We specialize in acupuncture and vibrational acupuncture to help our clients feel their best, regardless of the season. Visit us in North west Calgary for your holistic health care needs. We would be delighted to assist you with any sleep problems you may be experiencing.