Summer Sleeplessness AKA Hot Summer Insomnia

Written By Judy Mazurin

Have you ever noticed that you sleep differently in the summer? Maybe you have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently during the night, or you are feeling restless and overheated when you should be resting. The longer days, warmer temperatures, and changes in routine play a role. We must adjust to another whole rhythm.

In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), summer rules the heart system, which is in charge not only of our circulation but also the Shen, translated to spirit, or consciousness. When our heart is balanced, we experience

restful sleep, emotional stability, and good mental clarity. When it becomes disrupted, sleep can suffer.

Why Is Insomnia More Common in Summer?

Summer is considered the most Yang-Active season of the year. Yang energy is busy, expansive,

and warming. Although this energy supports vitality, social connections, and increased activity,

too much Yang can make it hard for the body to transition into the relaxed Yin state needed for

deep and restorative sleep.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Common summer sleep complaints include:

  • Difficulty falling asleep

  • Waking between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m.

  • Restless or vivid dreaming

  • Night sweats

  • Anxiety or racing thoughts

  • Feeling tired but unable to relax

How Acupuncture Can Help

Acupuncture offers a natural and drug-free approach to improving sleep quality. By addressing the underlying imbalance…...the WHY you are not sleeping, rather than simply masking symptoms, acupuncture can help:

  • Calm an overactive mind

  • Reduce stress and anxiety

  • Support healthy nervous system regulation

  • Improve sleep quality and duration

  • Decrease night waking

  • Reduce hot flashes and night sweats

  • Promote a greater sense of relaxation and well-being

Many people report feeling deeply relaxed during treatment and notice improvements in both sleep and stress levels after a series of sessions.

Summer Sleep Tips:

1. Respect Natural Light Cycles ⬇︎

Summer encourages activity during daylight hours. Try to get outside early in the day and reduce exposure to bright screens in the evening. Morning sunlight helps regulate circadian rhythms and supports better sleep at night.

2. Avoid Overheating ⬇︎

A cool, comfortable sleep environment supports the body’s natural transition into rest. Try these:

  • Lightweight bedding

  • Cooler room temperatures

  • Breathable natural fabrics

  • Avoiding strenuous exercise late in the evening

3. Create an Evening Ritual ⬇︎

One of the most effective ways to support sleep is to establish a calming evening routine.

  • Gentle stretching

  • Meditation or breathwork

  • Reading

  • Journaling

  • Herbal tea

Even 15 to 20 minutes of intentional relaxation can help signal to the nervous system that it is time to rest.

Book your seasonal acupuncture tune-up with me and move into balance again. For new patients, please call 250-492-3181 and for existing patients you can book with Jane app here

Be Well,
Judy Mazurin

Judy Mazurin
Next

Acupuncture and Frozen Shoulder