Polyphagia
AliasExcessive Sleepiness
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Multisomnia, known as "excessive drowsiness" in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), falls under the category of heart-related syndromes. According to the classical TCM text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," "those suffering from multisomnia experience fatigue of the spirit, constant drowsiness, and an inability to maintain alertness." This syndrome is often caused by deficiency of both the heart and spleen, with internal obstruction by dampness, manifesting as languid spirit, drowsiness, and it can affect one's normal life and work.
The clinical differentiation approach for multisomnia is as follows: The core pathogenesis of the disease is deficiency of both the heart and spleen with internal obstruction by dampness. Common triggers include irregular diet, excessive fatigue, and emotional disorders. During differentiation, attention should be paid to distinguishing the nature of cold and heat, as well as the deficiency and excess. For example, a dampness-accumulation syndrome presents with excessive drowsiness, fatigue, chest oppression, reduced appetite, and heavy limbs, with the treatment approach focusing on drying dampness and invigorating the spleen, awakening the spirit, and clearing the orifices; while a spleen-deficiency syndrome manifests as excessive drowsiness, especially after meals, fatigue, pale complexion, with the treatment approach emphasizing invigorating the spleen and Qi, and promoting the rise of clear Qi and the descent of turbid Qi. In clinical practice, the treatment of multisomnia emphasizes holistic adjustment, emphasizing the harmony of the spleen and stomach, and the relief of liver Qi stagnation to restore heart and spleen function and eliminate dampness. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that adjusting lifestyle factors such as diet, moderate exercise, and emotional regulation can help improve the symptoms of multisomnia.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Dampness Excess Leading to Spleen Stagnation Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Excessive drowsiness, fatigue, oppressed chest, reduced appetite, heavy body, and heavy limbs
Management Approach: Drain Dampness and Strengthen the Spleen, Awaken the Mind and Open the Orifices
Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Excessive drowsiness, especially after eating, fatigue, weakness, and a sallow complexion
Management Approach: Strengthen the Spleen and Tonify Qi, Elevate the Clear and Lower the Turbid
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
In treating patients with multisomnia, it is crucial to differentiate between deficiency and excess. The combination of reinforcing the heart and spleen and soothing the liver and Qi is essential.
— Wang Zhengxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)