The lymphatic system, gallbladder, liver, and lungs are the organs most active while you sleep.
They are also key players in your daily ability to detox from life and environmental stressors.
Let’s put it into perspective…
9-11p it’s the lymphatics, so if you’re having trouble falling asleep, it’s possible this system is backed up.
11p-1a it’s gallbladder time, and even if you don’t have one, this is a shout-out that you’re struggling to break down fats effectively. Emotionally, you may wake up during this time if you’re working through a decision you need to make, as the gallbladder and its energy are associated with decision-making.
1a-3a is liver time: hormones plus cholesterol production, as well as detox, red blood cell recycling, and environmental detox, all go through this organ. Emotionally or energetically, stress, anger, frustration, and irritability are processed through the liver, so if something is really bothering you, it’s a common time for wake-ups.
3a-5a is prime lung time. The lungs are an overlooked organ of detox, and they are incredibly powerful at their job. If you’re not breathing well due to allergies, asthma, sleep apnea, chronic sinus issues, airway changes with lowered estradiol, weight gain, or chronic stress causing you to take short, shallow breaths, you’d wake up at this time.
This is why so many folks who do the Standard Process 21 Day Cleanse report great sleep during the cleanse and afterwards.
So if you’re finding you cycle through periods of poor sleep, this could be what’s happening!
And if you’ve tried “all the things” and nothing is working, you may want to optimize your detox abilities and see if this helps.
The best thing for optimizing your daily detox? Hydration.
Master that before getting fancy with detox protocols.
Next, do a cleanse 2x a year like Standard Process’ 21 Day Cleanse.
Assess your progress with the cleanse and where you may still be struggling, then tailor your detoxing to the time of night you struggle most.
If it’s lymphatics, consider a daily lymphatic cleanse supplement, make sure you’re exercising, walking, or moving daily, or get on a vibration plate or rebounder each day.
Suspect the liver? Consider a daily liver detox formula with milk thistle, artichoke, or dandelion.
If anger, irritability, or frustration are prevalent in your life, progesterone and schisandra berry are my go-tos.
Lung issues? If you’re prone to allergies, a histamine blocker with DAO, nettles, or quercetin paired with a mullein, osha, and plantain herbal combo can help. Or have an oregano or thyme essential oil blend diffused or used in a vaporizer or dehumidifier in your bedroom. NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) is also a great amino acid to help the lungs detox, along with vitamins E and C, as all three help with glutathione production.
Additionally, I always recommend a multivitamin to provide you with the basic minerals like magnesium, vitamins E and C, B12, folate, and B6 to help with detox mechanisms within the body.
It’s common for humans to struggle with methylation (B12/folate-driven cell detox) and transulfuration (amino acid-driven liver detox).
While you can’t control all the environmental toxins and heavy metals you’re exposed to on a daily basis, you can prime your body to clear them.
If you didn’t catch my podcast that dropped yesterday, I’m going deeper into Chinese Medicine, insomnia, detox, and hormones.
Catch Episode 618 of The Health Fix Podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.
And if you’re looking to optimize your sleep and want some help, I’m here to help.
Here’s to a different perspective on insomnia,
Dr. J
PS: I’m working on a travel and health optimization membership to help those who want to plan a trips that fit their health goals or desire to overcome a health challenge but would prefer support along the way. Think travel combined with health coaching. As a Fora Travel Advisor I have access to travel perks you can’t get with your credit card points as well as connections to unique wellness experiences with connections I’ve made over the years like 1:1 pelvic floor retreats in Central Oregon to Culinary inspired South African Safaris, escapes to the mountains of Colorado to learn how to relieve your body pain naturally, yoga and surf retreats in Portugal and all over the world. If this intrigues you, I’ve started a waitlist so you can be the first to know about it when it’s released.
