Hypersomnia in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hypersomnia patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Hypersomnia, often referred to as excessive sleepiness or somnolence, is a condition characterized by an overwhelming need to sleep during the day, even after a full night's rest. Individuals with hypersomnia may find it difficult to stay awake and alert during daily activities, leading to a significant impact on their quality of life.
Unlike simple fatigue, hypersomnia is persistent and can be a symptom of underlying health issues. This condition often leaves individuals feeling lethargic, withdrawn, and unable to focus, which can affect both personal and professional aspects of their lives.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypersomnia is understood as a manifestation of underlying disharmonies in the body. While Western medicine might approach hypersomnia as a neurological or physiological disorder, TCM sees it as a sign of imbalances in the body's vital energies, organs, and fluids.
Symptoms like hypersomnia can arise from various patterns of disharmony, and it is essential to diagnose the correct pattern to provide effective treatment. This holistic approach aims to restore balance, ensuring that the body functions optimally and that symptoms like excessive sleepiness are resolved.
TCM Patterns for Hypersomnia
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Desire to sleep
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
Desire to sleep
Along with: Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Frequent pale urination
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Desire to sleep
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice
Cold
Causes: Desire to sleep
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
Desire to sleep
Along with: Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Frequent pale urination
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Desire to sleep
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice
Phlegm
Causes: Lethargic and withdrawn state
Phlegm Misting the Heart
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Along with: Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit
Mind Disturbance
Causes: Lethargic and withdrawn state
Phlegm Misting the Heart
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Along with: Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia, Noisy breathing, Vomit
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Lethargic and withdrawn state
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Lethargic and withdrawn state
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Wind
Causes: Desire to sleep
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
Desire to sleep
Along with: Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain, Lower back pain, Lower back coldness, General cold feeling, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Weak voice
Herbal Formulas for Hypersomnia
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hypersomnia
Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifes the Yang
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Desire to sleep
Accompanying symptoms:
Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain...
Zai Zao San
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonfies the Yang
- Augments the Qi
- Induces sweating
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold invading with Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Desire to sleep
Accompanying symptoms:
Low grade fever, Severe chills, Exhaustion, Hypersomnia, Cold extremities, Lumbar pain...
Si Ni Tang
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Rescues devastated Yang
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Lesser Yin Cold Transformation
How it manifests:
Desire to sleep
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills, Diarrhea, Absence of thirst, Desire to lie down curled up, Apathy, Hypersomnia...
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Sheng Yu Tang
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Blood
- Preserves the Blood
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Di Tan Tang
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Phlegm
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Tonifies Qi
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Gun Tan Wan
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire and Phlegm
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Su He Xiang Wan
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and aromatically opens the sensory orifices
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Transforms turbidity
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...
Ding Zhi Wan
Addresses these hypersomnia patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Heart Qi
- Pacifies timidity
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Hypersomnia Pattern Variations
Phlegm Misting the Heart
How it manifests:
Lethargic and withdrawn state
Accompanying symptoms:
Confusion, Loss of consciousness, Hypersomnia, Incoherent or confused speech, Slurred speech, Aphasia...