Liver overload and disrupted sleep are not new concepts. Each organ has specific times when its function peaks, and according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the liver’s peak hours are between 1-3 a.m. If the liver is overloaded, you may wake up during this time. Similarly, around 1-3 p.m., it’s common to feel groggy—another indication of liver strain. While improving sleep hygiene is essential, it’s equally important to reduce factors like alcohol and sugar that burden the liver. Chronic sleep disturbances may also signal a need for liver and gut cleansing. Since the liver is directly affected by gut health, any inflammation in the gut can have a significant impact on liver function.
Studies show that individuals with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) experience more sleep disturbances compared to healthy individuals. Specifically, they wake up 55% more frequently during the night (8.5 vs. 5.5 times), stay awake 113% longer after initially falling asleep (45.4 minutes vs. 21.3 minutes), and tend to sleep more during the day, resulting in decreased overall sleep efficiency.
In sleep diaries, 32% of MASLD patients reported that their sleep disruptions were caused by psychological stress, compared to only 6.25% of healthy controls and 9% of patients with cirrhosis.
Supporting liver detoxification could involve a combination of dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, acupuncture, herbal remedies, oil wraps, infrared saunas, and foot soaks. Additionally, investigating any underlying infections is crucial. Viral hepatitis, for example, is a primary concern and can be detected with simple blood tests. Both infections and metabolic liver conditions, like fatty liver disease, often respond well to botanical medicine. While liver chemistry is complex, certain herbs have been shown to support liver health effectively. A simple yet effective rule of thumb is: the liver loves bitter.
Conventional Western medicine offers limited solutions for conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, and biliary tract disorders. However, a growing body of scientific evidence supports the traditional use of plant-based remedies for liver health, proving their efficacy in managing liver diseases..
Dr. Laura M. Brown, ND carries a supply of base tinctures to custom blend for your needs of liver therapy. She also shares protocols for you to carry on at home, sleep hygeine tips and dietary guidance towards a healthier happier liver. This is just one avenue to explore if you are continually waking up at night.
References:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/network-physiology/articles/10.3389/fnetp.2024.1458665/full
Hoffman, D. 2023 Medical Herbalism The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press. Vermont.
