Sleep is supposed to be restorative, but for millions of adults in today’s fast‑paced world, true rest remains elusive. When work deadlines, academic stress, and constant digital noise follow us to bed, the body struggles to power down. The consequences go beyond grogginess: prolonged sleep deficiency is linked to cardiovascular strain, hormonal imbalances, mood swings, skin ageing, and an increase in appetite due to falling leptin levels—often leading to weight gain.
In a recent video, Taiwanese licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and YouTube creator 77 Lao Da broke down three distinct root causes of insomnia and offered simple herbal tea formulas to address each one. Rather than turning to sleeping pills, he says, tackling the underlying imbalance can naturally restore restorative sleep.
A Deeper Look at Insomnia
Many people assume insomnia is a single problem, but its origins can vary widely. According to 77 Lao Da, the three most common triggers are digestive discomfort, emotional turmoil, and a constitutional deficiency known as “yin deficiency.” By identifying which factor is at play, individuals can select a targeted tea remedy—one that works with the body rather than against it.
Cause #1: Digestive Disturbances
Diets high in salt and oil, coupled with late‑night snacking, often leave the digestive system overworked. Bloating, belching, and acid reflux can keep the body in a state of low‑grade physical tension, making it hard to settle into deep sleep.
Stomach‑Soothing Sleep Tea (养胃助眠茶)
- Hawthorn berries (10 g)
- Malt (5 g)
- Solomon’s seal / yam rhizome (3 g)
- Shen qu (fermented wheat‑and‑bean cake) (3 g)
- Licorice root (1 g)
- Rock sugar (to taste)
Simmer all ingredients in 500 ml of water for 10 minutes, then sip before bed to calm the gut.
Cause #2: Emotional Overload
Racing thoughts from work, school, or personal relationships can create a restless mind. Carrying that anxiety to bed reduces the ability to fall asleep and shortens deep‑sleep cycles.
Licorice Wheat Jujube Tea (甘麦大枣茶)
- Licorice root (3 g)
- Wheat berries (10 g)
- Red jujube dates (2 pieces)
Boil in 500 ml of water for 10 minutes. The combination is traditionally used to soothe mood and promote mental ease.
Cause #3: Yin Deficiency & Internal Heat
When the body lacks essential fluids and essences, it may show signs of “emptiness” such as dry mouth, heat in the palms and soles, frequent urination, and lower back soreness. This yin‑deficient state keeps the internal environment agitated, interfering with natural sleep.
Yin‑Nourishing Calm Tea (养阴除烦茶)
- Sour jujube seed (6 g)
- Raw rehmannia root (6 g)
- Licorice root (3 g)
- Anemarrhena asphodeloides root (3 g)
- Poria cocos (3 g)
Steep in 600 ml of boiling water for 10 minutes. It helps cool internal heat, quiet nervous tension, and foster deep rest.
A Natural Path Forward
These tea remedies are not a quick fix, but they offer a drug‑free starting point rooted in TCM philosophy. 77 Lao Da emphasizes that true sleep hygiene also requires attention to diet, stress management, and a consistent routine. For Hong Kong residents navigating a high‑pressure lifestyle, identifying the specific underlying cause—digestive, emotional, or constitutional—could be the key to finally getting the restful sleep that modern life so often steals.
Before beginning any new herbal regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions, consulting a qualified TCM practitioner is recommended.