Daytime Sleepiness: Misconceptions and Correct Interpretations from a TCM Perspective

Publication Date: 2026-07-16 Depressed mood Liver Depression and Qi Stagnation The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon For Reference Only 国家中医药管理局

Key Points

This article discusses the misconceptions and correct interpretations of daytime sleepiness from a TCM perspective, highlighting the importance of Qi and blood balance in maintaining mental alertness.

Title: Misconception One: Many People Believe...

Contrary to popular belief, many individuals assume that daytime sleepiness is caused by insufficient sleep. However, this is not the case according to TCM theory. It is believed that this symptom may be related to the imbalance in the flow of Qi and blood within the body.

Title: Correct Interpretation One: Qi and Blood Imbalance, Loss of Mental Concentration

The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, in the Treatise on Simple Questions, states, "The essence of life lies in the Qi and blood." A normal mental state in humans depends on the sufficiency and smooth flow of Qi and blood. When there is an imbalance in Qi and blood, mental concentration is lost, leading to a feeling of drowsiness.

Title: Misconception Two: Many People Believe...

Apart from Qi and blood imbalance, some argue that daytime sleepiness is due to a lack of exercise. However, this is not entirely accurate.

Related TCM Disease Encyclopedia

Insomnia (Sleeplessness) Headache (Migraine) Polyphagia (Excessive Sleepiness) Stroke (Post-stroke sequelae)

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Daytime Sleepiness: Misconceptions and Correct Interpretations from a TCM Perspective

Title: Misconception One: Many People Believe...

Title: Correct Interpretation One: Qi and Blood Imbalance, Loss of Mental Concentration

Title: Misconception Two: Many People Believe...

Related TCM Disease Encyclopedia

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