Good sleep is crucial for health, acting as balanced exercise for the brain, bringing high-quality recovery during rest. According to clinical research, there are several golden periods of deep sleep in a day, such as from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., though this varies among individuals. A brief nap around half an hour can effectively promote self-repair of the body.
However, poor sleep habits may silently damage health. Firstly, excessive ventilation during sleep may allow evil wind to invade. It is advisable to close windows while sleeping, avoid direct fan or air conditioning drafts to prevent the body from catching a chill while relaxed, which may lead to discomfort upon waking up. If feeling too warm at night, adjusting by opening/closing doors can ensure a balanced room temperature, maintaining positive energy for peaceful sleep.
Overeating at dinner is another lifespan-reducing sleep habit. Ancient wisdom suggests “no food after noon” as the body’s positive energy weakens in the afternoon, reducing digestive capacity. Dinner should be light, filling only about 70-80%, to avoid insomnia caused by the digestive system’s busyness.
Moreover, chatting before bed is a neglected bad habit that consumes lung energy, affecting sleep quality. Talking while lying down is particularly unfavorable, as it can strain the throat and vocal cords, potentially arousing excitement and disrupting sleep.
The recommended optimal sleep time in traditional Chinese medicine is from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m., allowing full recovery for all body systems. Elderly individuals who adhere to this schedule are prime examples. Additionally, a midday nap (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) is also considered a beauty rest, beneficial for complexion.
Regarding the sleep environment, the room should not be too large, to gather positive energy. Regardless of the season, ensure doors and windows are closed while sleeping to prevent external disturbances from disrupting the protective positive energy layer on the body surface.
As for sleeping position, sleeping on the right side is deemed ideal, aiding digestion and overall relaxation. Although sleeping on the back promotes blood circulation, it is not suitable for overweight middle-aged and elderly individuals as it may cause snoring. Sleeping on the stomach is not recommended due to restricted breathing and organ compression. Sleeping on the left side is also discouraged as it may affect heart function and gastric emptying.
In conclusion, adjusting sleep habits, considering sleep environment and position are crucial for maintaining health. Hopefully, this knowledge can help everyone have a more quality sleep experience.
