In the corner of a café, two older friends meet. One complained: "I haven't been able to sleep well at night lately, and I've been tossing and turning." Another nodded in agreement: "I always doze off during the day, but I am very energetic at night, which is really annoying." ”
Such conversations are not uncommon among middle-aged and older people. Tossing and turning at night and being listless during the day is often simply blamed on "getting older". But in fact, it may be a problem caused by the lack of communication between the heart and kidney.
Heart-kidney non-communion, a TCM term that sounds a bit mysterious, is actually related to the interaction of heart and kidney function in modern medicine. So, what exactly is the heart and kidney disconnection?How does it affect sleep?Is there a way to regulate to improve sleep quality?
The heart and kidneys do not communicate": the theory of traditional Chinese medicine reveals the mystery of sleep.
In TCM theory, heart-kidney dysfunction is regarded as the root cause of many health problems, especially sleep disorders. In short, the heart and kidneys are two important organs in the body, and the harmony and harmony between them is essential for maintaining health.
The heart, in TCM theory, is not only the core of blood circulation, but also carries spiritual and emotional functions. The heart is regarded as the "official of the monarch" and dominates people's consciousness and thinking. A healthy heart guarantees clear thinking and a stable mood, which promotes a good night's sleep.
The kidneys are the "fundamental source" of the human body, responsible for storing the basic essence of life and supporting the body's growth, development and reproductive functions. In the view of traditional Chinese medicine, the health of the kidneys directly affects a person's energy and physical strength.
When the heart and kidneys do not communicate, it means that the functional coordination between the two organs is impaired. The specific manifestations are that the heart fire is too strong and the kidney water is insufficient, or the kidney water is too large and the heart fire is extinguished. This imbalance leads to sleep problems: an overheated heart can make it difficult to calm down, leading to insomnia;Insufficient kidney water can cause frequent awakenings at night and fatigue during the day.
There are many discourses in ancient Chinese medicine books about the incompatibility of the heart and kidneys. For example, the Yellow Emperor's Neijing mentions that the balance between the heart and the kidneys is the key to health. Through observation and practice, ancient medical scientists found that when the heart and kidneys are not connected, people often show symptoms such as anxiety, memory loss, and sleep disorders.
How to tell if the heart and kidneys are not delivered?It can be seen by a few simple signs. For example, if you often feel anxious, can't sleep at night, or always feel tired and weak during the day, these can be signs that your heart and kidneys are not working.
Symptoms caused by heart-kidney disconnection: tossing and turning at night, exhaustion during the day.
When the function of the heart and kidneys is not in harmony, the so-called heart-kidney dysfunction, sleep problems become the most direct and common manifestation. In this state, it becomes normal to have difficulty falling asleep at night or waking up frequently, while feeling unusually tired during the day, which not only affects the quality of daily life, but can also lead to other health problems.
Specifically, sleep problems caused by heart-kidney dysfunction manifest as deep sleep deprivation, which means that the body cannot rest and recover adequately. Studies have shown that sleep deprivation can affect memory and cognitive function, especially in middle-aged and elderly people. For example, a study in adults over the age of 60 found that those who had poor sleep quality performed worse on memory tests.
In addition to sleep problems, heart-kidney disconnection can also cause mood swings, such as irritability or depression. This change in mood is not a purely psychological problem, but a direct response to an imbalance in bodily functions. For example, poor heart function can lead to insufficient blood supply to the brain, affecting mood regulation. At the same time, abnormal kidney function can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body, further exacerbating emotional problems.
Furthermore, heart-kidney dysfunction can also lead to blood pressure fluctuations and edema, which tend to worsen at night, further affecting sleep. For example, edema may make it more difficult to breathe, while fluctuations in blood pressure may cause frequent awakenings during the night.
Harmonizing the heart and kidneys: your daily tips for a good night's sleep.
The improvement of sleep quality needs to start from the little bits and pieces of life. The heart and kidney are not connected, often due to the imbalance of life habits and psychological state Xi. Improving this situation is not only a medical problem, but also an art of living.
Regularity in your routine is crucial. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the natural law of "working at sunrise and resting at sunset", but modern life often violates this principle. 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. is considered the best time for kidney repair. Therefore, falling asleep before 11 p.m. every night not only helps the heart and kidneys recover, but is also the key to a good night's sleep.
In terms of diet, it should be light and nutritionally balanced. Foods that are too greasy or heavy can put a strain on the heart and kidneys, which in turn can affect sleep. Gentle foods, such as black beans, walnuts and goji berries, are not only packed with essential nutrients, but also support heart and kidney health. One study showed that foods containing omega-3 fatty acids, such as deep-sea fish, were good for the heart and indirectly promoted sleep.
Moderate exercise, such as walking, tai chi, or yoga, not only strengthens physical fitness, but also regulates emotions and reduces psychological stress. According to statistics, middle-aged and elderly people who regularly exercise at moderate intensity have significantly better sleep quality than their peers.
In addition to physiological regulation, the balance of mental state is equally important. Long-term emotional depression and psychological stress can lead to overload of the heart and affect the intersection of the heart and kidney. Simple relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation or listening lightly**, can be effective in relieving mental stress.