Night Terrorsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Sleep Disturbances
Sub-symptom(s): Night Terrors In Children
Did you mean? Nightmares
What are Night Terrors?
Night terrors, also known as sleep terrors or nighttime panics, are a sleep disorder causing feelings of terror or dread. Typically occurring in the first few hours of night sleep, they involve sudden arousal from sleep with a piercing scream or cry, intense fear, and a state of panic.
Unlike nightmares, individuals experiencing night terrors usually don't recall the episode in detail. Night terrors are more common in children but can affect adults as well. These episodes are distinct from typical nightmares and can be quite distressing to both the individual and their family.
How does TCM view Night Terrors?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches night terrors as a symptom of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems. Contrasting with the Western focus on psychological and neurological aspects, TCM considers night terrors a manifestation of disharmony in the body’s Qi (vital energy), Blood, and organ systems. TCM emphasizes identifying the specific pattern of disharmony leading to these episodes, viewing them as a signal of deeper issues that need to be addressed holistically.
Causes of Night Terrors According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that may lead to night terrors. One common cause is Full-Heat in the Small Intestine, where excessive Heat disturbs the Mind, leading to restless sleep and night terrors. This pattern often involves symptoms like agitation, thirst, and red complexion.
Another pattern is Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency, where a Deficiency in vital energies results in inadequate nourishment of the spirit, causing disturbed sleep and night terrors. These patterns highlight TCM’s approach to understanding night terrors as a reflection of internal disharmony, necessitating a treatment that restores balance.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Night Terrors
In TCM, treatment for night terrors involves formulas that address the specific underlying patterns. For Full-Heat in the Small Intestine, formulas like Dao Chi San, which includes Akebia Stems (Mu Tong), are used to clear Heat and restore calm.
In cases of Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency, Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, featuring White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), is employed to nourish the blood and calm the spirit. Additionally, for Qi-level Heat, Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), is recommended. These formulas demonstrate TCM's nuanced approach, targeting the root causes of night terrors to bring about holistic healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address night terrors, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Night terrors can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Dao Chi San, with akebia stem as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
Night terrors can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, with white peony root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Night terrors can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Night terrors can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Night Terrors
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address night terrors, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Herbs that drain Dampness
Night terrors can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Akebia Stems (Mu Tong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for night terrors, like Dao Chi San.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Night terrors can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for night terrors, like Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Night terrors can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for night terrors, like Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Night terrors can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for night terrors, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.