Waking up in the middle of the night, especially if you have to get up early the next morning, can be incredibly frustrating. The clock ticks on, sleep feels elusive, and your mind refuses to quiet down. While many of us dismiss these interruptions as random or stress-related, ancient wisdom suggests there may be deeper reasons.
According to the Biological Clock of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) , different times of the night are related to specific organs and emotional states. Each organ follows a natural rhythm of energy flow, cleansing, and self-repair, and disruptions during these hours can reflect an imbalance in the corresponding system.
The ancient clock of Chinese medicine and night awakenings
Traditional Chinese medicine divides the 24-hour day into two-hour energy cycles, each governed by a specific organ. When you consistently wake up at the same time every night, it may be your body’s way of telling you where the imbalance or emotional tension lies.
Of course, other factors, such as nightmares, physical illness, stress, or emotional distress, can also cause sudden awakenings. However, some people believe these patterns have a spiritual significance , indicating periods of transformation or awakening.
